Читать книгу Brainstorm - Sheldon J.D. Cohen - Страница 14

George rushed out of the Emergency Department. He felt uncomfortable in a medical environment and wanted to end the experience as fast as possible. No doubt, he probably had a kidney stone. That first episode at Fred’s house was all too similar. Two kidney stones were double bad luck. How could anyone tolerate such pain if the stone was stuck for days? Maybe, thought George, he should get those damn tests done.

Gail was waiting at the kitchen table when he got home. She glanced up from her coffee and felt reassured. By his calm expression, she was certain he was pain free.

“What happened?” she asked.

“The doctor said I had a kidney stone. Lucky for me, though, they didn’t have to do anything. The pain is gone.”

“A kidney stone? What the heck…”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm. I can tell that you feel better. I called your work today and spoke to the foreman. It’s Andy Simpson, right?” He nodded. “I told him that you went to the hospital because of the pain.”

He looked relieved. “Yeah, good idea.”

“It wasn’t my idea. You told me to do it.”

“I did?” he said, looking startled.

“Don’t you remember?”

For several uncomfortable moments, he stared back at her with a blank expression.

“Must have forgotten,” he mumbled. “That pain was all I could think about.”

“You’ve been forgetting a lot. When are you going to realize you’re not yourself? I don’t know who you are anymore. Look at what’s happening to you. Stomach pains, kidney stones, forgetfulness, you’re angry all the time; you’re even fighting with people. Please! Take those tests that Dr. Crowell ordered. I can’t understand why you don’t do it.”

He felt backed into a corner. “You’re right. I’ll go, but now I’m going to work.”

“Work? When I spoke to Andy, he figured you wouldn’t be back today.”

“I got lots of work. Gotta go now.” He brushed her cheek with a quick kiss and dashed out the door. She watched him leave, thinking he appeared calmer than earlier. She considered speaking with Dr. Crowell since George did not get angry when she approached the subject of his following through with the prescribed tests.

Andy looked up with surprise when George walked in. “Your wife called and said you went to the hospital. We didn’t expect you today. Everything okay?”

“Yeah. I’m okay. The doctor thinks I passed a kidney stone.”

“Man, that hurts.” Having had a kidney stone himself, Andy knew.

“Worse pain I ever had.”

“Sure you’re okay?” said Andy.

“Sure. I’m fine.”

“Why not work on the lighter stuff today?” suggested Andy. “Take care of the trim, and let the other guys do the rest.”

“No, no. I don’t have any more pain and can do my regular work. In fact, when I finish today’s work, I’ll start the trim.”

Andy eyed him with suspicion, but kept quiet. George knew Andy was watching him and he went to great lengths to avoid Andy and his coworkers. Not only had his relationship with coworkers changed, but also everyone was on guard not to provoke him.

He felt anxious even though he was not suffering recurrent pain. He would be involved with some task and then suddenly forget what he was doing and how he got there. Such confusion compounded his anxiety. During periods of clarity, he recognized his faulty thinking, but at other times, he reverted to paranoia.