Avoidance By Becca __________________ "Johnny, how long are you going to avoid it?" "Avoid what?" "Avoid what? Come on, you know what I'm talking about!" "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about." "I've seen you popping all those aspirin today, and the last few shifts for that matter." Before Johnny could protest, Roy continued, "I don't know exactly what's hurting you, but either you tell me, or I'll tell Cap. Or Brackett. Or both." "You don't need to do that. It's nothing. Really." "Right." "Listen, Roy, I'm gonna take care of it." "Okay, I'll give you till next shift. But if I still see you swallowing aspirin every three hours …" "You won't, I promise." The next morning, Johnny sat in the waiting room, palms sweating. He raised a shaking hand to his forehead. "Come on, Gage," he said to himself. "Don't be such a chicken. After all, you stick needles in people for a living." The office door opened and a young lady called his name. There was no response. "Mr. Gage?" she called again, approaching him. Johnny looked up fearfully as the dental assistant placed a knowing hand on his shoulder. "Come along, Mr. Gage. This won't hurt a bit." |