Dr. Kale Stevenss: A Short Story

Dr. Kale Stevens sat chewing on the end of his glasses while glossing over the file he held in his right hand. For the most part he remained impassive, blank-faced while doing so, with only an occasional hmm… or umm… that could be heard being quietly emitted from his otherwise tight lips. As the seconds passed, he seemed more than lost in whatever profound thought he had over the chart’s results. Then, with the clearing of his throat, he slipped his glasses back onto his face before closing up the manila folder, well securing the paperwork he’d been studying back inside. “Well, everything looks good,” Dr. Stevens said to the half-naked man who patiently waited on the exam table across the small room from him where he sat. “I think I can pretty much release you from any further follow up care. Maybe, just a checkup or two, six months or so down the
road. But for now, I think you’re pretty much all healed up from the accident. At least, from a medical standpoint.” Seth didn’t even bother to breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing the good news. It was as if the doctor hadn’t even spoke. Like time had somehow stood still and the slightly graying physician was still deep in thought and unknowingly chewing on his glasses whilst staring at the charts. After, Dr. Stevens spoke up again, Seth then just stared forward noncommittally and put forth the effort to give a slight head nod in acknowledgement of the doctor having said something before standing up to get dressed and leave the doctor’s office. “I’ll get your release in to the courts by the end of the week,” added Dr. Stevens as he appeared to write something in his notes. “Thanks, doc,” Seth said, and then he went to shake the man’s hand in appreciation of all he had done for him. “You’re welcome,” Dr.
Stevens reciprocated with a smile. “Oh, and ah… just one more thing before you leave, Seth,” he then said, and he appeared to begin peering around the small countertop the room had provided as if in search of something. After picking up the rest of his belongings, the doctor then spotted several pamphlets had set aside which had found their way mixed in with his the rest of his paperwork. Dr. Stevens then said hesitantly, “I know we’ve talked about this before. And, I’m sure you’re just going to throw these away as soon as you leave. But, I would not be doing my duty as your doctor if I didn’t at least try to give you these and urge you to start taking your health more seriously. I really hope you find these useful and maybe even follow some of their advice. And, I know it’s too much to hope for but possibly look into some of the programs they offer.” The last part of Dr. Steven’s speech had sounded more like a question to Seth than a suggestion, but he let it go just the same as he briefly sifted through the pamphlets: Alcoholics Anonymous, Coping with Depression, Suicide Awareness, and P.T.
S.D. With a forced halfhearted smile, Seth looked into Dr. Steven’s servile eyes and said, “Thanks, doc… I’ll be sure to look through a few of these when I have a chance.” But, his thoughts were firmly stuck on, Thanks, doc… I’ll be sure to throw away your garbage for you just as soon as I find a receptacle. “Alright, then,” Dr. Stevens responded as he and Seth both made for the door of the small exam room. “And, if you need anything… anything at all, don’t hesitate to call me. Even if it’s just to talk.” “I will,” Seth agreed. Then he left.