Page 33 of The Doctor's Twins

“Your home is beautiful.”

“Thanks. Would you like a tour?”

“Uh, sure.”

“I don’t bite. I promise,” he smiled.

“Good. I haven’t had my rabies shot in a good few years.”

“Rabies? Bushbaby childhood?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Well, I’d love to hear it someday,” he laughed.

I followed Ben into the house. I couldn’t help noticing his perfect backside. I wondered what he did to keep in such good shape. I found my answer soon enough.

“This is quite a trophy room, Ben,” I said when we passed a room filled with medals and photos.

“Oh, yeah. That’s where I keep my victor’s spoils,” he winked.

He said it very matter-of-factly, with no puffed-out chest motions or show-offish gestures.

“Impressive. How long have you competed in martial arts?”

“Since I was a kid.”

“You’re clearly very good at it.”

“I do alright.”

“It must be nice.”

“What?”

“Having the know-how to kick someone’s ass,” I said.

“Sounds like that’s something you’ve thought about,” he said and straightened one of his photos.

“Haven’t we all?”

I looked toward another wall that had several pictures of Ben dressed in a US Military uniform.

“Military?”

“Yeah. I started my career as a military doctor.”

“What was that like?”

“I enjoyed it.”

“Why did you leave?”

“Being an army doctor is a transient lifestyle. There are only so many times one person can move from one base to another before packing peanuts becomes a drag. I enjoyed it while I was in it, but I missed being close to my family. When my father had a stroke, I realized that I was missing out on too much family life. So, I left and went into private practice.”

“The army recruiters came to talk to us when I was in high school. I must say, the idea of working for the army is tempting when you’re a kid. My father had a fit when I told him I was considering it.”

“It’s not an easy life. He probably wanted to protect his daughter. I can appreciate that.”

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