Life in the Slow Lane

by Margot Zobel

My cat was due for a post-op exam at the hospital. On the appointed day, I packed her up and we took off. Unfortunately, my Parkinson symptoms were in full swing.

We went to announce ourselves at the registration window. A clerk fired a list of questions at me. “Last name?” “First name?” “Address?” But to each of my answers he responded “No, no, can’t find you or your cat in our database.” He squinted at me. “You look awfully nervous. Say, are you sure that cat is yours?”

My tremors grew stronger and my voice weaker. “I’m sure,” I whispered. Suddenly a little boy in the waiting room giggled and pointed at me. “Are you really sure?” he hooted. Then his sister jumped up and squealed, “Why are you doing that with your hands? Why, why?” I ignored them both.

Picking up the cat, I headed for the exit. “I’ll make another appointment,” I mumbled. The clerk shrugged.

To our readers: “Life in the Slow Lane” is a new feature about PWPs and the decisions they make. We all make different choices. These episodes are meant to let you know that you can change the outcome — make it more forceful, gentler, whatever you think. Send us your revision if you like, or write your own scenario for us to publish.