Page 2 of Doctor Neighbor

"Oh no! The mighty Buster-Saurus has been defeated!" I dramatically fall backward into the water, careful not to make too big a splash.

Lucy climbs onto my chest, her little hands on her hips as she stands triumphant. "We got you, Uncle Buster!"

2:57 pm

I hoist Lucy onto my shoulders as we trudge towards the exit, our skin pruned and sun-kissed from a day of aquatic adventures. My muscles ache, but it's the good kind of tiredness that comes from a day well spent.

"Ready to head home, Lulu?"

She leans down, her chin resting on top of my head. "Can we get Dippin' Dots first? Pretty please?” I hate those tiny little frozen atomic bombs that rip my taste buds off.

I groan inwardly, knowing it's on the other side of the park. But one look at her hopeful face and I'm putty in her hands.

"Alright, munchkin. One last treat before we go."

We walk through the park, weaving between families and dodging strollers. Lucy’s grip on my hair tightens as we cross into the rollercoaster section.

"Uncle Buster, look how big they are!"

I crane my neck to follow her gaze—the coasters tower above us, steel giants against the fading sky. The screams of riders echo through the air, a mix of terror and exhilaration.

"Whoa," Lucy whispers, her voice filled with awe.

We pause momentarily, watching as a coaster car hurtles past, its passengers a blur of raised arms and open mouths.

"Think you'll ride one of those someday?" I ask, giving her legs a gentle squeeze.

She shakes her head vigorously. "No way! They're too big."

I chuckle, remembering my own first rollercoaster ride. "You might change your mind when you're older. Your old Uncle Buster used to be scared of them, too."

"Really?" Her voice is skeptical.

"Yup. But then I rode one, and it was like flying. Now I can't get enough of them."

We reach the Dippin' Dots stand, and Lucy's eyes light up at the array of flavors. As she debates between rainbow and cotton candy, I check my watch. It's later than expected, and the drive back to Birmingham looms.

"Pick your poison, kiddo. We've gotta hit the road soon."

Lucy points decisively at the rainbow flavor, and I hand over a few crumpled bills. As she digs into her colorful frozen bullets, I guide us towards the exit, stealing one last look at the rollercoasters silhouetted against the setting sun.

I'm about to suggest we find a shady spot to enjoy Lucy's Dippin' Dots when a blood-curdling scream pierces the air, followed by a sickening thud. My head whips around, and my stomach drops at the sight before me.

About twenty-five feet away, a man lies crumpled on the cement, surrounded by a growing pool of blood. The crowd parts around him like water around a rock, leaving him isolated in a sea of shocked faces. My medical training kicks in, and I immediately assess the situation. It is clear that the man's skull is split open—he must have fallen from one of the rides high above us.

I glance down at Lucy, relieved to see she's still engrossed in her ice cream, oblivious to the horror unfolding nearby. I need to help, but I can't let her see this.

"Hey, Lulu," I say, keeping my voice steady. "Can you be a big girl and stay right here to finish your ice cream? I need to check on something quickly, and then I'll be right back."

She nods, her mouth full of rainbow-colored dots. I ruffle her hair and move towards the scene, my heart racing. As I approach, I hear panicked voices and see people fumbling with their phones, likely calling for help.

"I'm a doctor," I announce, pushing through the crowd. "Let me through."

The circle of onlookers parts, and I'm face-to-face with the fallen man. His injuries are even worse up close. Blood seeps from the gash in his skull and his limbs are bent at unnatural angles. I drop to my knees beside him, careful to avoid the growing puddle of crimson.

I check for a pulse, but find nothing. His chest is still, with no signs of breathing. Despite the apparent severity of his injuries, I start chest compressions. It's futile, I know, but I can't stand by and do nothing.

"Has anyone called an ambulance?" I shout, not breaking rhythm.

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