"Mrs. Noland, you have to realize, we did everything we could."
"I know you did, doctor."
"When he came to us, his condition was... well, you were with him when they brought him in. I'm sure I don't need to revisit it in any detail."
"No, that's not necessary."
"What I need for you to understand is that we did everything that modern science is capable of doing. We have the best ER in the tri-state area, equipped with the most up-to-date facilites and personnel."
"I understand."
"So when I say that there was nothing that was left to chance, what I mean is that, in my professional opinion, the care we gave your husband was as good or better than that he would have gotten in any other facility in the country."
"I don't have any doubts about that, doctor. I'm sure you did your best."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Noland. Truly, I'm sorry that you have to be put in this situation. If there's anything I can do..."
"Thank you, but I'll be fine."
"Forgive me, I know this will sound clinical, but did you get the contact information for the hospital's grief counseling staff? They're so kind and compassionate... they really can help."
"I have it, yes, but I'll be fine. Where is he?"
"I'll take you to him. Before we go, I should warn you: he's still working on his book."
"The... the same book he's been working on all along?"
"I'm afraid so. As I said, there's nothing we could do."
"I... I... I can't..."
"Let it out, Mrs. Noland. Just go ahead and let it out."
||| Comments are welcome |||
Help keep the words flowing.
"I know you did, doctor."
"When he came to us, his condition was... well, you were with him when they brought him in. I'm sure I don't need to revisit it in any detail."
"No, that's not necessary."
"What I need for you to understand is that we did everything that modern science is capable of doing. We have the best ER in the tri-state area, equipped with the most up-to-date facilites and personnel."
"I understand."
"So when I say that there was nothing that was left to chance, what I mean is that, in my professional opinion, the care we gave your husband was as good or better than that he would have gotten in any other facility in the country."
"I don't have any doubts about that, doctor. I'm sure you did your best."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Noland. Truly, I'm sorry that you have to be put in this situation. If there's anything I can do..."
"Thank you, but I'll be fine."
"Forgive me, I know this will sound clinical, but did you get the contact information for the hospital's grief counseling staff? They're so kind and compassionate... they really can help."
"I have it, yes, but I'll be fine. Where is he?"
"I'll take you to him. Before we go, I should warn you: he's still working on his book."
"The... the same book he's been working on all along?"
"I'm afraid so. As I said, there's nothing we could do."
"I... I... I can't..."
"Let it out, Mrs. Noland. Just go ahead and let it out."
||| Comments are welcome |||
Help keep the words flowing.
People just CAN'T let you finish the book, huh?
ReplyDeleteApparently not.
DeleteI'm in the same boat there, they just never understand.
ReplyDelete"I'm not insane, damn you all, I'm WRITING!"
DeleteHaven't they seen Wonder Boys? Chill out, guys, he's just writing a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteAt least what I HOPE is a masterpiece...
Deletejust another activity you can't get state subsidy to cover your wear & tear healthcare on...
ReplyDeletewhen I'm immersed in writing a novel, I resent having to break for food, sleep or evacuation. Even lying in bed trying to sleep my mind is whirring & defies me.
marc nash
Yeah, that's what they call a "preexisting condition".
DeleteThey just don't get writer-folk! :) Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteLike the new look for the blog. When did you change it? I know I've not been gone from here that long!
Changed it earlier this week. Glad you like it!
Delete*rimshot*
ReplyDeleteOh, your poor wife. She should really get some counseling. Book widows have such a hard time!
It's not an easy life being married to me, that's for sure. ;-)
DeleteWe poor artists are so misunderstood!
ReplyDeleteI loved The Wonder Boys and now I want to watch it again. This is a fun one Tony.
Never seen it - will have to fix that!
DeletePoor wifey! Or is that poor Tony - still writing despite the opposition!
ReplyDeleteStill opposed, but still writing. ;-)
DeleteOoh posh new blog! And such a familiar situation...
ReplyDelete