Just One More Question

The receptionist looks up from her desk.

“Hi. Are you here for the doctor?”

“Yes,” Bao says.

“Okay. What’s your name?”

“Bao.”

“And how do you spell that?”

“B-A-O.”

“Thanks. What’s your date of birth?”

“The third of May.”

“And the year?”

“Two thousand and one.”

“Got it. So you’re how old now? Let me check… twenty-four.”

“Yes, twenty-four.”

“And your phone number?”

Bao gives the number. The receptionist writes it down.

“One more thing. Who’s your parent or emergency contact?”

“My mom. She has the same phone number.”

“The same number? Easy answer.”

The receptionist smiles. “Take a seat. The doctor won’t be long.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, wait — I forgot to ask the most important question.”

Bao looks worried.

“How do you feel today?”

Bao laughs. “Now? Much better.”