part # 1 x

THE

CLINIC

by Lisa and Lorna

High school graduation is generally recognized as a major event in a young man's life. It is a time of transition and growth into a job or college, usually away from home. The relationship between parent and child changes as well, toward more equality and independence for the latter. For Chris, the great day began with high spirits and even higher hopes. He had been accepted by a good school but he still did not have the summer job he needed to help finance his expenses. Graduation went as well as those things ever do. His parents were obviously proud of him. Afterward, when they expressed their concern about Chris attending the all-night party for the graduates, he decided to go, despite their reservations. He wanted to celebrate with his friends!

The party was hardly under way when the police arrived well before midnight! And it wasn't even noisy, yet. Surprisingly, the officers weren't interested in the goings-on. They asked for Chris! Taking him aside, they told him that his parents had been in an auto accident and graciously offered Chris transportation to the hospital which he readily accepted. During the short drive Chris asked what had happened and heard about the drunk who crossed the centerline

and smashed head-on into his father's sportscar. The drunk was dead at the scene, while his parents were in serious condition. At the Emergency desk the nurse informed him that his parents were both on the critical list then asked him to wait while she notified the doctors of his arrival so they could answer his obvious questions about his parents' medical conditions.

More than an hour later an attractive woman approached Chris in the waiting room. She wore a white lab coat over her dress, a stethescope at her neck, and a doctor's nameplate over her right breast. She appeared to be quite young, maybe late twenties. "Are you Christopher Davis?" He rose politely but unsteadily at her approach and nodded numbly. "I'm Dr. Andrea Smith, your father's doctor."

Chris shook her profered hand politely before flopping back into his seat, tears flowing freely, numb with fear and despair, wanting to ask so many questions in rapid-fire succession but unable to speak, just listen.

The pretty doctor sat next to him. "I'm afraid what I have to tell you is not encouraging. Your father's seat belt saved his life but he has

a severe concussion along with multiple head wounds and internal injuries. I must warn you that he will very probably have brain damage but the nature and extent of his injuries are impossible to determine this early, and even his unconsciousness is difficult to predict. He may wake up in a few hours or, more likely, in a few days, and any prognosis will be impossible, as well, for some time. I'm sorry I can't give you any more information but you will be the second to know if anything new develops. Meantime, if there is anything I can do for you please ask." She smiled sympathetically and rose to leave. "Uh, Dr. Smith," Chris spoke quietly.