62 lines
2.4 KiB
Plaintext
62 lines
2.4 KiB
Plaintext
"Are you next of kin?" -- the doctor looks normal, wearing a white lab coat
|
|
\ and glasses. I nod. -- "Alrighty then, please fill in the form here."
|
|
|
|
He hands me a sheet of paper on a clipboard and a pen. Quite the old school
|
|
\ system they have here. Right. Name, age, medical history. This is a bit
|
|
\ of a problem, I know nothing about nothing, especially for a supposed
|
|
\ relative. Hmmm, relative, eh? What's my last name again? I have no better
|
|
\ idea anyway. I scribble on the paper and hand it back.
|
|
|
|
"Secret agent Old Man? Everything about him classified? Even his age? Miss,
|
|
\ I have a legitimate medical need to know, I need to treat him!"
|
|
|
|
I take the paper back and scribble some more.
|
|
|
|
"My best estimate is... I mean, yes, it's possible, but it's a clear risk
|
|
\ for the patient."
|
|
|
|
I scribble some more.
|
|
|
|
"Agent Mistress? Woah, alright, alright, if you say so. I just... I'm obliged
|
|
\ to inform you that lack of information presents risk. Just so you know."
|
|
|
|
I nod. What do you want from me? I'd tell you everything if I knew anything
|
|
\ myself, but I just don't, all right? There is no choice here, risk or no risk.
|
|
\ We need him to wake up and then he'll tell more himself.
|
|
|
|
"So, current status. The patient is stable, unconscious, prognosis positive.
|
|
\ You can stay by his side no problem, it's even advised. Data suggests talking
|
|
\ to patients is linked with faster recovery, so you do that. Topics don't
|
|
\ matter much but I recommend something relaxing, maybe some pleasant shared memories."
|
|
|
|
I just look at him.
|
|
|
|
"What is it?"
|
|
|
|
I take my phone out.
|
|
|
|
> Mute
|
|
|
|
"Hi Mute, I'm Vincent."
|
|
|
|
This is the worst dad joke I can imagine. It's so bad I will buy this guy a drink
|
|
\ sometime. Of course he's seen my pass, that adds another layer. I take it all in,
|
|
\ appreciate the context, turn it around in my mind, examining it from different
|
|
\ sides. Yeah, that's a rarity. Still, there's something I need to tell him.
|
|
|
|
> I can't talk.
|
|
|
|
"I understand, I'm a bit busy myself."
|
|
|
|
Motherfucker, I'm sure you are being thick on purpose, you absolute tease.
|
|
|
|
> I'm unable to produce sounds with my throat.
|
|
|
|
"Oooooh, you mean you are mute AND your name is Mute? Wow miss, this is a really
|
|
\ curious medical coincidence, I'll ask you for a research interview later."
|
|
|
|
I make an impatient gesture.
|
|
|
|
"Yeah, well, let's see here. One option would be someone other than you who CAN
|
|
\ talk to the patient. Anyone on your mind?" -- No.
|