Fresh Fridays: Long Time No See

Relationships are like a cup of lai cha: “The Sentimental Flavor Lasts Forever” (toronto 2011)

A few days ago. A reunion. 

I pushed the door open.

“Oh heeeey! How are you!” I greeted my patient warmly. Like we were old friends.

“Hi Soapie.. I’m good…” he beamed.

“It’s been a long time since I last saw you,” I said, placing a syringe, alcohol pad, and bandaid on the counter.  I couldn’t even remember the last time.

“Trust me, I don’t want to see you,” he laughed half jokingly. Because coming to the clinic would imply that he was really sick, or his condition was declining.

I nodded. “No worries, I understand.”  Because I don’t want to see you [unwell] either. 

~ ~ ~

A few days later. Another reunion.

She instantly recognized me.

“Hey girl! How’s it goin’?” my patient perked up as I walked in, fondness in her voice.

I grinned. “Fine.. and you? Long time no see.”  It was true.  Had it been a year or longer?

“I been good ever since that last time you cleaned out my ears! Man it was awful then, but after you did that, I could hear sooo much better! I truly thank you!”

My smile stretched a mile wide.