Scene 19

Scene Nineteen...Test Results
Time: After school, Monday, February 18, 1946
Place: Doris's house
Storyteller: Janet


I ride my bike to Doris's, walk in, and say, "Hello. Anybody home?"

"In the kitchen," Betty answers.

The two of them are having tea.

"Cream and sugar, please. What are Doris's test results?" I don't beat around the bush.

"My thyroid gland isn't producing enough hormone. That's why I don't have much energy and skip periods."

"How are you going to fix her, Doc Robertson?"

"Low dose prescription thyroid medication. Plus a diet change. In a few months, she may be able to quit the pills."

Mom was right! "What's the diet change?"

"No wheat. No bread, buns, crackers, pasta, baked goods, Wheaties..." says Doris.

I interrupt, "No Wheaties? You'll have to switch to eggs."

"Eggs are delicious. And more importantly, Betty thinks I'll be good as new."

My sister chimes in, "At least you don't have the autoimmune form of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease."

"If you're going to use big Oriental words, I might as well go home. Besides, all this talk of food is making me hungry. Dad's grilling tonight."

I give Betty a peck on the cheek. Doris rates a tight hug. Glad that's settled. Now I can concentrate on Ballet.

Popular posts from this blog

Scene 95...Epilogue

WARNING Spoiler Alert !!! This is "The End" Please read scenes 1-94 first. EPILOGUE...Scene 95...Letter From Janet Time: June 16, 1948 Place: Nice, France Storyteller: Janet Dear Paul, I can't believe you missed the Monaco Grand Prix, all because of college. Nino won in a Maserati, per usual. The Prince kept staring at me again. Doris needs to see the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco. It's on a cliff above the sea. Betty likes her job at the hospital. Also, she's taking Mediterranean cooking classes. By the looks of her, she's eating too much delicious food, or she's pregnant. William will soon be joining the faculty of medicine at Aix-Marseille University. I wonder if they'll get an apartment? Can babies live on boats? Surprisingly, Dad didn't explode about Betty moving a hundred miles away. He's busy getting the vineyard perfect for Tony's visit. Mom continues to paint with the Big Shots. Guess you heard I graduated....
Read more

Scene 69

Scene sixty-nine...Medical issues #2 Time: 6:00 PM, Saturday, September 7, 1946 Place: Sal's Seafood Storyteller: Victoria "I'll pay the bill tonight. You're a college student." "A college student with a job. Don't insult me." "If you insist. This seafood platter is delicious. I should try different foods more often." "How about a Budweiser?" "Not that different." We laugh and click our glasses. "Victoria, I told you my sister is a doctor." "Yes...I'm not sick." "She'll be back from the Bahamas soon. Would you feel comfortable talking to a woman about that medical issue?" "Oh, the ovary. I was afraid to bring up the rest of that story." Paul turns white but replies, "You can tell me anything." "Remember the surgeon said I might not be able to have kids?" "Yes, which is why I recommended Betty." "You need to ...
Read more

Scene 10

Scene Ten...Sailing Party Time: Afternoon-evening, Monday, December 31, 1945 Place: William's boat Storyteller: Janet Betty thanks William for grilling the mackerel steaks. In return, he bends over backwards to compliment her on the broccoli and rice casserole. Then, he notices me. "Why are you so down in the dumps, Squirt?" "Dad will make me quit all dance classes if I make a 'C' in math." "Math was my favorite subject. Couldn't do research without it. Want some help?" "Yes, yes, yes." "Next problem?" he asks.  "Dad likes Doris better than me." Betty laughs, "Don't be ridiculous. She's just more like him, only quieter and less controlling. You scare Daddy with all your 'I'm not going to college' talk."  "I'm not. They don't teach dance at U.M. Without ballet, the Rockettes won't hire me." William asks if I'm ta...
Read more