Page 36 of Captiva Book Club

It was late in the day when Dr. Renolt came out into the waiting room to get her.

“Hey Maggie, come on in.”

She jumped out of her chair much faster than she’d expected, the adrenaline taking over.

She followed the doctor down the familiar hallway, her heart pounding slightly faster with each step. The clinical scent of antiseptic filled her nostrils, reminding her of the many times she had walked this path before. This time felt different, though—she had come prepared for good news, but there was still lingering anxiety, the what-if that never quite went away.

Dr. Renolt led her into the exam room and gestured for her to take a seat on the exam table. He settled into his chair across from her, his expression calm but serious.

“How have you been feeling?”

“Great, actually,” Maggie replied. “I've been keeping busy, staying positive. I’m ready for the next steps.”

Why did I say that? It sounds like I know the MRI showed cancer.

“Next steps? Okay, well, here’s the thing. I’m still not certain this isn’t cancer. The MRI was inconclusive, and in my opinion, I think the wisest course of action is to do a biopsy. I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear, but I know you would agree with me that we want to be absolutely certain. Am I right?”

Maggie’s heart sank a little at his words, but she quickly composed herself.

“I agree. Better safe than sorry, right?”

“Exactly,” Dr. Renolt said with a reassuring smile. “How long has it been since you’ve eaten anything?”

“Just breakfast this morning. I had a meeting and I wasn’t hungry.”

“Good. We’ll use a local anesthetic, but I always feel it’s best if there’s been several hours since you’ve eaten. I don’t expect any reactions.”

Maggie took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s do it.”

“Good. I’m going to have my nurse come in and give you a gown to put on. She’ll be in the room with us during the procedure. Is that all right with you?”

Maggie nodded. “Yes, that’s fine.”

He got up from his chair. “Great. I’ll be back in a few minutes and we’ll get this thing done.”

As he left, the nurse entered the room and handed Maggie a hospital gown.

“How are you doing, Ms. Moretti?”

“I’m fine, thanks,” she said. It wasn’t true, but she smiled, remembering her mother’s answer when people asked her how she was feeling.

“I’m fine unless you want the details.”

“Are you looking forward to Christmas?” the nurse asked.

Maggie nodded. She couldn’t muster the energy to answer.

Does this young lady understand that the Christmas spirit left the room the minute she handed me that ugly hospital gown?

“That’s great.”

Dr. Renolt returned, and the nurse pulled a tray of instruments next to her.

“All right, Maggie. I want you to lay down and put your right hand behind your head. You’re going to feel a little sting as I inject the local anesthetic. This will numb the area so you’re more comfortable.”

She watched as he drew the anesthetic into a syringe, her eyes following the movement of his hands. She felt a slight prick as the needle entered her skin, followed by a cold sensation spreading through the area as the anesthetic took effect.

“How are you doing?” Dr. Renolt asked.

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