"I suppose I should have started cooking sooner, " she groaned as she hugged the toilet helplessly. She arose faintly from her position and leaned on the counter. She turned the handle so that the cold water came flowing from faucet, endlessly pouring into the drain. Cupping the water within her fingers, she raised her hands to her mouth and began to swish it between her teeth. When she was done she spat it out and met her reflection in the mirror.
"It is quite alright, Mary, " she began proclaiming to herself for reassurance, "Patrick says that you're fine. It is just a little food poisoning. Just call the doctor, and schedule an appointment. You will be fine. " With that she stared in the mirror for a little while longer, then picked up her toothbrush and began to brush her teeth and wash her face.
Afterwards, went into the living room, picked up the phone to call the doctor. A couple seconds later, Dr. Scott's assistant answered the phone.
"St. Leonard's Hospital, Melinda speaking. What can I do for you? " she greeted warmly.
"Oh hello, " Mary replied, "I am calling to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott today. ".
"Okay, what is your name, dear? " .
"Mary Maloney. ".
"Okay, now what time would you like to come in, sweetheart? " the doctor questioned.
"Whenever you have time, " Mary answered.
"Well I tell you what, it is about eight o'clock right now. Our next opening isn't until nine, maybe nine-thirty. We will see if we can fit you in. ".
"That is perfect, " Mary exclaimed, "Thank you, I will be there. See you then. ".
"See you then. ".
Mary went back into the bedroom. She went to her closet and laid a nice sundress out on the bed and analyzed it. She made her decision, put the dress on and went about the rest of her time fixing her hair and cleaning up the house. Her warm glow filled the room as always with her graceful footsteps and her optimism about today's agenda. She was sure she would be fine, whatever it was, and she'd get to enjoy the rest of the day with her husband as she often highly anticipated.
