There was no explanation for this child’s behavior, thought Dr. Sarin. How could a child look so lovely and at the same time contain something so terrifying inside. He shook his head, an incontrollable shutter, at the image of this child starring at him as he inspected her teeth. No other child looks. Not one. They close their eyes. He wondered if this child would grow up to stare at her lovers when they were making love. His shoulders raised and shuttered again, embarrassed at the thought.
A knock on his office door disturbed him, brought him back to the day. “Doctor, your patient is ready for you. Mrs. Delaney and her son.”
Dr. Sarin rose from his chair, straightened his white coat, and headed into the light of the hallway. How had he ended up with this dread of his patients. How had his life wound around its path that his only patients were these terrifying English. He knew.
Greed. Greed had silenced his fear of the white children who possess spirits inside that none of his own had. These inhabit a world that is glossy and happy and noisy and comfortable. But inside, it’s as if their souls sit an inch below their skin. He could poke them and touch their flimsy souls.
“Doctor, that exam room.” His nurse pointed and scowled. He knew she had grown concerned about …what was happening to him.
“Yes, of course. Just thinking today. Well, good morning Mrs. Delaney. Good to see you Master Tommy.” He went immediately to the sink to wash his hands, scrambling to pull his mind, his heart, his head, something, anything around to face the two sitting in his exam room.
“Mommy said to tell you how good I’ve been at brushing. Haven’t I?”
“Yes, doctor, he certainly has.” She gave a little laugh. “We made a chart on the wall of his bathroom where he marks off each times he brushes. And for everyday that he’s brushed morning and evening, he gets more for his allowance.” The woman stopped. “Do you give your children allowances here?”
“Oh, yes, of course we do. Just like you do.” He had no idea what she was talking about but he could not give into her tone.
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You had a truly fabulous week this week. Impossible really to choose. I just find this situation fascinating. This doctor who is afraid of these English children - and the reasons for it. It's just so original that I find it irresistible. You have really upped the ante with this story. You may have raised the bar on Rawlings.
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