Alone In Your Grief

Alice sighed as she saw the name on her phone. As she accepted the call and brought the receiver to her ear, she was not given the chance for greetings.

“Where are you?”

Alice gave a half smile. The woman was certainly dedicated.

“Why, hello, Dr. Bell, how lovely to hear from you. I am doing quite well today. Thank you for asking.”

“Well, Miss Alice, I would love to confirm that for myself. Perhaps in an appointment? Like the one we had scheduled for, hmm, when was it? Oh! Yes, that’s right…. Now!”

“Oh, was that today?” Alice asked with a smile. “I completely forgot. I guess we will need to reschedule again.”

She could hear Bell take a deep, irritated breath on the other end of the line. Then, after a few silent moments, Bell returned.

“Avoiding seeing me won’t change anything.”

“I’m not avoiding you. I’ve just been busy,” Alice replied with a hint of tediousness. “There is a war going on, you know? Much more important things to do than having checkups.”