Called Away

 

So, I’m sitting in the chair waiting for the Novocain to numb me up and just in the next room I can hear two people talking.  I don’t know at this point if it is the dentist and patient or a dental technician and someone, I just hear them jabbering.  None of it sounds important, more like they’re discussing their plans for the upcoming weekend.  

But then I heard a third voice.  A man’s voice, but I can’t make out what he is saying.  It sounds like he is the patient and is already numb.  He’s really slurring his words, in fact, he sounds a lot like my friend, Charlie, after he’s had a few.

I should pay closer attention, because I can understand Charlie once I focus.  The dentist and her assistant seem to be ignoring the guy.  They’re just going on with their conversation.  I can almost make out what he’s trying to say, he has said the same thing three times now.  He starting to sound really stressed.  Maybe I should just get up and walk over there.

Bride and groom doesn’t make any sense.  I must be getting that wrong.  Bride and groom, what else sounds like…  OK, he’s saying bathroom.  He needs to go to the bathroom and they’re not understanding him.  Eventually he’ll just get up and head to the restroom.  There’s no need for me to go over there.

I changed my focus.  I look at the artwork on the walls.  It’s pathetic.  Lame country scenes, in drab colors, with boring, cheap wood frames.  Whoever decorated this place either was working without a budget or without an imagination.  You know your patients are going to be captive for an hour or more, why not put a little more into it.  Give them something stimulating or unique to look at.

        Great, this wall is worse.  An illuminated X-ray of my teeth.  Now that’s not something I care to stare at.  Suddenly someone was adjusting the paper bib that was hanging around my neck.  The cold metal chain against my skin startled me.

“Sorry, Mr. Corwin, did I wake you?”

“I guess I nodded off a bit."

"I apologize, but the doctor has been called away on a personal matter.  We're going to have to reschedule."

"What?  But my face is numb.  My lips are numb. I can't..."

"I'm sorry, it couldn't be helped.  If you'll follow me we'll get you rescheduled."