Among the Ducklings Read Free

people's
earning ability in legal cases.”

    “It sounds
like an interesting profession,” Doctor Gomez commented, causing Philippe to
smile.

    When she
saw Philippe smile, Dr. Gomez decided it was time to discuss with him what she
really came for. “Mr. Pierce, as Doctor Sheen told you after the surgery, you
suffered a fracture on your left fibula, which was made worse by some ligament
damage.”

    “That
sounds bad,” a worried Philippe said, with a concerned look returning to his
face.

    “Well, it
was a serious injury. The goal now is to make sure that everything heals
properly to avoid arthritis and deformity of the ankle.”

    Seeing the
impact of her last words reflecting on his face, Dr. Gomez softened a little
bit and said, “I didn't mean to scare you, Mr. Pierce. You should be fine if you
follow our instructions.”

    “Phil,”
Philippe replied.

    “What?”

    “No one
calls me Mr. Pierce. Everyone calls me Phil,” he said.

    As the
tension began to subside from Phil's face, Doctor Gomez said, “Your friend, Mr.
Douglas was here...”

    “Jeremy was
here?” Phil asked, interrupting Doctor Gomez in mid-sentence.

    “Yes, but
you were sleeping. He told me that the two of you met at Florida Atlantic
University, in Boca Raton.”

    “Yes, we
were taking an accounting class together,” confirmed Phil.

    “This is a
very small world. I did my undergrad there too,” Dr. Gomez said.

    “You're a
fellow alumnus?” Phil asked, seemingly surprised.

    “Yes, but
it was a long time ago.”

    “We have a Facebook
page for all alumni at the university. If you haven't already, you should
join,” he told her.

    “What's
Facebook?”

    “Well…”

    “Just
kidding Phil. I
may be old but I am not that old,” a smiling Dr. Gomez said.

    “You got
me,” Phil said, also smiling. This is the first medical doctor he ever met that
had a sense of humor and he appreciated it.

    “Anyway,”
Dr. Gomez continued, interrupting Phil's thoughts, “the bandage on your ankle
will remain for two weeks until the stitches are removed. No walking on the
ankle is permitted for approximately six weeks. After that, you will use a
special boot and brace to help you start walking.”

    “This
accident is ruining my life. During this time, can I still eat, drink and
sleep?” asked Phil in a dejected tone, wondering how he was going to manage.

    “No, unless
you follow our instructions,” Dr. Gomez replied, causing Phil to laugh again
and feel stupid about his reaction. Indeed, there were people going through
much worse. He should consider himself lucky.

    “I'm sorry,”
he apologized.

    “No need.
It’s a lot to absorb at once and I understand. By the way, I spoke with Dr.
Klein, your primary doctor in Miami, and he has scheduled an appointment for
you at Baptist Memorial Hospital in two weeks to remove your stitches.”

    “Thanks. I
am looking forward to it,” Phil lied. Phil really hated hospitals.

    “Everything
has been arranged. Your physical therapy sessions will take place at the
Kendall Rehabilitation Center. It's not too far from your house. Your first
appointment with them is in two weeks,” Dr Gomez
said. “You will get all the information that you need before you leave the
hospital.”

    “Physical
therapy sessions? No one told me,” Phil repeated with alarm, dreading the time that he would miss
at work.

    “The nurse
will fill you in,” Dr. Gomez said. Then she added, “It was nice meeting you
Phil. See you in two weeks.”

    “In two
weeks?” Phil repeated, in deep thought. “I'm not coming back here Dr. Gomez.”

    Dr. Gomez who was already
leaving, turned, winked at Phil and said, “Me neither Phil.” Then she walked
out.  

     

    Chapter Two

     

    It was
almost 11:00 pm when Isabel and Richard left the restaurant.

    “It's never
dull with Lucy,” Richard said.

    “I've known
Lucy since junior college and she is still the same,” Isabel replied. Lucy and
Isabel met while in a