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Chapter One

Evelyn

I hate it when he’s this stubborn Reminds me of myself

“I a you, it’s just a touch of indigestion, I’ll be fine,” he adds, gently ha his chest with a fist for effect

It’s the second appointment I’ve made for my dad to see a doctor this week

The second tio either

He used to get regular check-ups from fellow doctors at the clinic he was a partner in

Until he sold his share in the business, dad was a successful family physician Some bad investments and a lawsuit with his health insurer saw the end of his early retirement real quick

He’s still a doctor but only works a few days a week at his old clinic It’s enough for him to keep us both and the house, but not a lot left over

And after that whole business with the insurance company, he wouldn’t even insure his car if it wasn’t the law

But I’

I’ late anyway but I’ worn out lately but since losing so much of his retirement fund he’s become a broken man

Bitter almost

He looks terrible too I’ht to go see one and dad’s pallor is enough to scare h to plead with him one last time

Dad’s always been a regular-sized guy, eating right and all that But health isn’t alhat’s on show on the outside

“Afterto a doctor, okay,” I tell hiue his point, but winces in pain again, getting paler

After I ask him if he’s okay for the millionth time in two days he stabs a nod

“Alright, sweetie Maybe just a check-up I’ll go do it to prove there’s nothing wrong,” he says, forcing a smile but I can see some concern in his eyes finally

There’s one doctor I wished we could both see right now, but I know that’s not gonna happen

Dr Mark Love

While dad still kept his subscriptions to various medical journals, I would sneak away every copy with Dr Love in it before he could see it