Page 19 of Prognosis Bad Timing

‘You OK?’ Charlie asked. She was looking pale again, like she had last night.

She nodded. ‘I think I’ll just sit down for a bit.’

Charlie watched her walk out of the room and sink into one of the seats in the waiting area. ‘Are you OK?’ he asked Donny.

‘Sure, but I’d better go. My sister will be starting to wonder what I’ve done with Tilly.’

‘We can’t have that, now, can we?’ Charlie pulled a face at the little girl and was rewarded with a watery smile. ‘Come on, I’ll walk you out.’

‘Wave goodbye to the nice lady, Tilly,’ Donny crooned as they passed where Carrie was sitting.

‘Night, Tilly.’ Carrie smiled at the toddler, suddenly desperately missing her own little girl as Tilly gave her a shy wave. This was a whole different world — grungy and gritty and real — and she was pleased her child would never be exposed to it.

Carrie watched Charlie and Donny walking to the door, their deep voices hushed but reaching her nonetheless.

‘You taking your medication?’ Charlie asked.

‘Of course, Doc. I promise. How long till you know?’

‘Another two weeks. But it’ll be fine, Donny, don’t worry. Really.’

‘I’m so sorry, Doc...’

They walked outside and out of Carrie’s earshot. Sorry about what? Intriguing...

Charlie re-entered the clinic and crossed to where she sat. ‘You were great with Tilly. Thanks.’

‘There’d be something wrong if I wasn’t. Little girls are somewhat my specialty these days.’

Charlie chuckled. ‘Still, you didn’t...’

‘What? Choke? Like last night?’

He smiled. ‘I was going to say freeze, but if you prefer choked...’

Carrie smiled. ‘Don’t judge me on what happened last night. I’m afraid I’m just not a clinician anymore.’

But she was so good with Tilly. She’d been scared but he’d also heard compassion in her voice, seen it in the way she’d held the toddler close. And the way she had held that wound last night had been the epitome of professional technique. Maybe she was being too harsh on herself?

‘Why? Did something happen?’

Carrie couldn’t talk about this with a stranger. She found it hard enough to discuss with her nearest and dearest. ‘It’s just...not me. I’m not good with people... with patients. Fortunately, I found that out early.” She stood. “Goodnight. See you in the morning.’

She was at the door when his words halted her. ‘He died, you know. Three hours after getting to hospital.’

Her hand stilled on the handle. ‘Yes, I know,’ she said, and walked out the door.

Charlie ran his finger back and forth along the rolled plastic edge of the chair where she’d been sitting. Quite the conundrum was Dr Carrie Douglas. She’d said she wasn’t good with people yet she’d taken the time to ring the hospital and find out what had happened to the man from last night.

Only the good ones did that.

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