Chapter 69: The Polite Doctor
"Grandma, what day is today?"
Thes asked, a sudden realization sparking in her mind.
Grandma Grace looked up from her newspaper, slightly puzzled. "Today is.. dear... Is today and important day?"
Thea’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You forgot, Grandma?"
Grandma Grace’s expression turned quizzical. "Forgot what, dear?"
"Your hospital appointment, Grandma. You have a check-up scheduled for today, remember?"
Grandma Grace set the newspaper aside, her mind racing to recall the forgotten appointment.
Grandma Grace chuckled, shaking her head. "I’m becoming forgetful day by day, it seems."
Thea smiled along with her,"That’s why I’m here to help you remember, Grandma."
Grandma Grace’s eyes twinkled with gratitude. "Okay, dear. Go get freshened up. I’ve prepared something for you to eat."
"Actually Grandma, I had breakfast at Ryder’s place already."
"Oh, okay dear. Well, in that case, you can save your appetite for lunch then. I will made your favorite soup for lunch."
Thea headed to her room, placing the packet on the table before quickly hanging up her gown in the wardrobe. She then sorted out the dresses she had worn, setting them aside to be washed. After a quick cleaning session, she hung the clothes out to dry in the balcony, enjoying the warm breeze.
Feeling refreshed, she made her way downstairs to spend time with her grandma. "Grandma, don’t forget, your appointment is at 3 o’clock this afternoon," she reminded her, settling into a comfortable chair beside her.
As Grandma Grace insisted on preparing lunch by herself, Thea agreed to let her take the lead, offering her assistance instead. While Thea was chopped the vegetables, Grandma Grace asked, "Did you enjoy your stay at Ryder’s place, dear?"
Thea smiled, recalling the pleasant memories. "Yes, Grandma. Yesterday was especially fun. Ryder and I played chess with his grandfather, and he helped me understand the rules since I was new to the game."
"They truly adore you, Akai, even though we’re not related to them by blood. They’ve always had a special place in their hearts for you."
As they chatted, Grandma Grace busied herself in the kitchen, expertly preparing lunch. The aroma of her famous vegetable soup, Thea’s favorite, wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation. Alongside the soup, she had also made a flavorful chicken curry and a steaming hot plate of white rice.
As they sat down to eat, Thea couldn’t help but feel grateful for her grandma’s love and care. "Grandma, your vegetable soup is my favorite, you know that?" she said, taking a spoonful of the warm, comforting liquid. She then served herself a generous portion of the chicken curry and rice, savoring the delicious flavors.
Grandma Grace smiled, pleased that she could still make her granddaughter happy with her cooking. "I know, dear. That’s why I made it especially for you today."
After lunch, she and her grandma retired to their respective rooms. Thea had already booked a cab to pick them up at 2:30 pm, which she had done while lying on her bed earlier. Now, as she prepared to accompany her grandma to the hospital, she chose a simple outfit: a pair of light gray trousers and a soft white blouse with a subtle stripe pattern, paired with comfortable loafers.
After getting dressed, she headed to her grandma’s room to gather the necessary papers for the doctor’s visit. As she opened the drawer, she noticed her grandma, Grace, wearing a familiar outfit: a soft, pastel pink blouse paired with a pair of cream-colored long skirt .The outfit looked lovely on Grandma Grace, "Grandma, you still keep this outfit?" she asked, glancing at the familiar clothes.
Grandma Grace smiled, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "Of course, my granddaughter. You brought this outfit for me with your first earnings. How can I not keep it safely?" The outfit held sentimental value, reminding Grandma Grace of Thea’s thoughtfulness and love.
"Grandma, it’s time, let’s go," she said, gently prompting her grandma to get ready to leave. She grabbed a refillable water bottle from the kitchen counter and tucked it into her bag, thinking ahead to their hospital visit.
The cab arrived punctually at 2:30 pm, and she helped her grandma settle into the back seat. As they set off, Thea confirmed their destination with the driver: "We’re headed to Oakwood Memorial Hospital, please."
The driver nodded and navigated through the afternoon traffic, while Thea and her grandma sat back. She took her grandma’s hand, offering a reassuring smile as they made their way to the hospital.
In the hospital waiting area....
She sat patiently,flipping through a magazine to pass the time.
The hospital waiting area was a spacious, well-lit room with comfortable seating for patients and their families. The walls were painted a soothing light blue, and the floors were made of polished gray tile. The room was furnished with plush armchairs and sofas, arranged in cozy clusters.
Along one wall, a floor-to-ceiling window let in a flood of natural light, offering a view of the hospital’s serene gardens. The air was fresh and clean, with a subtle scent of disinfectant and the faint hum of medical equipment in the distance.
Her grandma, Grace, was inside the examination room, undergoing a series of tests ordered by her doctor. Thea had accompanied her grandma to the hospital, and now she was waiting for the tests to be completed.
In the center of the room, a modern reception desk stood, staffed by friendly hospital volunteers who offered warm smiles and helpful directions to anxious visitors. A small vending machine corner offered snacks and beverages, and a nearby water cooler provided a refreshing drink.
The hospital’s waiting area was calm and serene.. she occasionally glanced up at the clock on the wall, willing the hands to move faster.
After what felt like an eternity, the door to the examination room opened, and a nurse emerged with a warm smile. "Miss, the patient is doing well. The doctor will be out to speak with you both soon." The nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She stood up, smoothing out her clothes, and prepared herself for the doctor’s update.
Grandma Glrace came out from the examination room.Both of them went to visit the doctor.
The doctor was going through her report.
Dr. Liam Chen, a young and accomplished physician in his late twenties, looked up from Grace’s report, his brown eyes behind a pair of silver-framed glasses sparkling with warmth and intelligence. His short, dark hair was neatly styled, and his crisp white coat was impeccably clean, giving off an air of professionalism and competence. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he greeted Grandma Grace and Thea, putting them at ease with his friendly demeanor.
Thea helped her grandma settle into the chair, then took a seat beside her. The doctor’s office was cozy, a few potted plants on the windowsill.
"Everything looks good, Madam Wynn. Your blood pressure is normal, and the reports show no signs of any major issues."
Thea glanced over at her grandma, who was listening intently to the doctor.
"What about the pain she’s been experiencing?" Thea asked.
The doctor nodded. "Well...We’ll get to that. It’s likely related to her arthritis."
"But I want to make sure we cover all our bases," Dr. Chen continued, his eyes scanning Grace’s report. "I’m going to recommend a few additional tests to rule out any other possible causes. Perhaps a rheumatologist consult to take a closer look at her joint health."
Thea leaned forward, her eyes locked on the doctor. "And what about her medication? Is it still working effectively?"
Dr. Chen nodded thoughtfully. "We’ll review her current regimen and make any necessary adjustments. I may also recommend some alternative therapies to complement her treatment, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy."
"Doctor, is Dr. Emily Taylor not here in this hospital?"Grandma Grace asked.
"Madam Wynn, your previous doctor is relocating to another city hospital," Dr. Chen explained gently. "From now on, I will be your doctor."
Dr. Chen smiled warmly, . "Don’t worry, Madam Wynn.I’ll take good care of you. I’ve already reviewed your file and discussed your case with Dr. Taylor, so I’m up to speed on your condition."
Grandma Grace thanked Dr. Chen, followed by her granddaughter, before they came out of his room. "He’s so young." Grandma Grace murmured to herself.
"Whom are you talking about?" Thea asked.
"Dr. Chen," Grandma Grace replied. "He’s so polite and respectful, isn’t he?"
