The rage Within

Emily was eight hours into her twelve hour shift when she received a call from Nancy. She was calling from another line, as Emily could see she wasn’t at her desk. Nancy didn’t sound like her usual self either.

“What is it? Is something wrong?”

“You need to come to Dr. Kaufland’s office right away.” Nancy said.

“Great. Any idea what this is all about? He already took my patient. What’s next?” She said.

“I don’t know, but you better get over there.” Nancy said.

Emily had it with his shit. She was going to give Spencer a piece of her mind and if he said one cross word she was quitting on the spot. She marched down the hall with vigor and purpose.

Emily got to his door and didn’t bother knocking. She wasn’t about to allow him to humiliate her again by making her wait outside. She stormed inside and found Mr. O’Rourke and Nancy waiting for her.

They both had funny looks on their faces. The situation didn’t add up.

“Well...what do you think?” Mr. O’Rourke asked.

“What?” Emily said

She was more than confused.

Mr. O’Rourke looked to the front of the desk, gesturing to the plaque centered in the middle. The writing on the plaque was printed from the computer, but that wasn’t important. It’s what it said.

Psychiatric Director – Dr. Emily Richards.

She was stunned.

“Has a nice ring to it for sure...but.”

“No buts, just say yes. Sorry about the crude paper title, but I didn’t have time to have the plate engraved properly.” He said, almost pleading.

Emily was in minor shock. She had been all set to leave just a few short days ago and now all of this. She was leaving to advance her career, but being the director at her age, even in a small town, was a great accomplishment. How could she say no?

“I need to know. What happened to him?” Emily asked.

“That’s a mystery in itself.” Mr. O’Rourke said.” I received his letter of resignation less than an hour ago. Effective immediately. I’m not one to look a present horse in the face, or whatever that dumb saying is, I’m just happy he decided to move on. I have to think you are too.”

“Mouth.” Emily prompted.

“What?”

“Gift horse in the Mouth.” Emily said.

“Face, mouth, nose, do you accept?” he said.

“I accept, I accept. Thank you sir.” Emily said with a wide grin.

“You are welcome. I’m afraid we are going to be short a doctor for a while until you can hire someone, so you will have to take over any patients Spencer may have been treating. Is that okay?”

“That won’t be a problem. We only have Abigail and the new arrival. I think I can handle both.”

“Oh yeah. I heard about this mysterious young man. A classic case of attempt suicide was it? Do you think there is more to the young man’s story?”

Nancy looked at Emily and smirked.

“We’ll see.” Emily said, hoping Mr. O’Rourke didn’t press for further details. He didn’t of course.

“Good luck Dr. Richards. I mean Director.”