Dr. June ends the call once Athena has scheduled an appointment.
Athena is left feeling numb, cold, and unsure how to react. She walks to the 62-bus depot, sits down, and stares at the ground. It starts raining lightly as the bus pulls into the stop. Her phone starts buzzing, she ignores the call: opting to take the bus to Pike Place Market and get her mind off of today's frustrations.
October 26th, 2007: Athena arrives at Pike Place Market by half-past noon. Walking by the fishmongers throwing the daily catch at each other, head low, Athena's eyes leak tears of sadness.
"May I help whoever is next in line, please? Oh my, you are looking a bit down today."
Athena gives the stall worker a sheepish smile before placing an order.
"May I get three cinnamon holes, two powdered sugar holes, and a small black tea to go?"
"Coming right up. Will you like anything else today Miss?"
"No thank you."
"Your total is $5.75. And your name?"
"Athena. Thank you."
While the donut attendant puts together Athena's order, Athena checks her phone. A missed call from Hector flashes across the screen.
"Hmm. He did not leave a message. I will have to call him back later."
"Athena your order is up."
"Thank you."
"I threw in a couple of extra donut holes...on the house. Hope whatever is bothering you does not steal your warmth. Take care."
At a loss for words, Athena takes her tea and donuts without a second thought.
October 26th, 2007: Hector Wilson reflects on last week's family dinner while typing away on his computer. The clock reads 2:00 pm, time to end the workday.
"Something is definitely off with Athena. I could tell the second she and Carson walked through the door. Her bubbly personality seemed dim, her eyes have lost their glow, and she was not too sarcastic during dinner conversation."
"Meow."
"Rupert, I am talking to myself. Be a good cat and seek attention from Luis. Where was I? Yes. Calling her today was out of character for me. It would be a welcomed surprise for Athena to call back."
"You sent the cat to me again Hector? You know I am allergic to showing affection."
"Yes, my love. That is why I sent Rupert your way, to melt your cold heart."
Buzz, buzz. Ring. Ring.
"Come on Hector, pick up."
"Athena! How may I help you?"
"I wanted to return your call, Hector. You did not leave a message and figured I should get back to you."
"Splendid. You sound tired. Have you been crying?"
"Yes. Today has not been ideal. I don't want to burden you..."
"Telling me about your day is not a burden Athena. You are my daughter-in-law and not a stranger to how my brain works. I am all ears."
Athena takes Hector at his word and launches into a rant.
"My preceptor discharged me early today stating I am not healthy enough to continue with rounds. It bothers me a lot since my performance during clinical could make or break me getting a job post-graduation. I already texted Carson about being sent home early, his response was dismissive and cold."
"I am sure his intentions were not meant to offend you. Why do you feel he was being dismissive?"
"Trying to schedule an appointment, going home early, and the feeling of my health being out of my control has left me feeling really emotional. Heck, I lashed out at him last night over something silly. He got me sunflowers, my favorite plant, and I told him it was a waste of money."
Hector takes a second and smiles to himself. Hearing Athena's voice and comforting her are two of his favorite things. Carson and annoying his husband are on his favorite list too.
"As someone married for thirty years, learning to pick your battles is important for longevity."
"Words of wisdom from the wise old owl."
"There is the sarcasm and spunk I remember from your youth. What is this doctor's appointment concerning?"
"The last few months I have felt really worn down and tired all the time. Recently I have been having dizzy spells, random nose bleeds, and just diagnosed with anemia. I have never had a cold in my life before! Suddenly at 21, my body decides to fall ill? Seems kind of odd. Are you still there, Hector?"
Hector is taking in all of Athena's words: dizzy spells, nose bleeds, anemia. Wondering why illness strikes at an inopportune time.
"I am still here Athena. Continue if you are comfortable."
"I am seeing a specialist tomorrow morning to get to the bottom of what is going on with my health."
"What are you doing now? I hear background noises and children crying."
"I grabbed some donuts from Pike Place Market and walking up to Seattle University. Going to grab food for Carson on the way since he forgets to eat."
"That young man...he never learns. Thank you for feeding him, must be one heck of a study session. Am I right?"
"Hahaha, Hector."
"Does your laugh mean you are feeling better?"
"Slightly. Look, I am going to hang up now. Thank you for hearing me out."
"You are more than welcome. Call me if you need anything else."
"Will do Hector. Love you."
"I love you too."
Athena hangs up at the same time as Hector. Once inside Cherry Street Market, nausea hits Athena, and she is forced to sit at a table. Her stomach starts churning, the donuts from earlier making their way up her esophagus. Dashing to the closest bathroom, Athena rips open a stall door, emptying her snack into the toilet.
"Great! Vomit on my clothing, a petty fight with my fiancé, and an impromptu doctor's appointment. This roller coaster ride is driving me nuts!"
Buzz, buzz, buzz.
"Who is calling this time? Hello?"
"Honey, what is going on? I got a call from dad asking me to check in with you."
"Huh? Ya, Hector and I chatted an hour ago...we did not gossip about you too much."
"Glad to hear. Where are you? What did you all discuss?"
"I am on campus grabbing you food...Mr. I don't eat lunch because Law School consumes my time. We talked about last week's dinner, my health, and reaching out to Hector and Luis more often."
"I wish you would stop worrying about my eating habits Athena. I can take care of myself you know."
"It is how I express my love to you Carson; doing something for those I care about."
The couple continues flirting with each other over the phone.
"True. So what do you plan on getting me?"
"I was planning to get you a big, juicy turkey burger dressed to the nines. Lettuce, a slice of tomato, and 1,000 Island dressing dripping off the sides of a whole wheat bun."
"Mmmh. Keep going with the details."
"Fries golden brown and fluffy; acting as a confidant for the burger. To round everything out, a tall glass of something cold, and frothy."
"Hehe. You sound like Hector with your dramatic tone and strong attention to detail. Let me know when you have the food and I will meet up with you. I have to get back to class. Love you."
Click.
"I love you too."
After placing an order for a turkey burger and fries, Athena fills a compostable cup with Cherry Pop. Carson's favorite. She sends Carson an update on his food.
Athena's Text: "The turkey burger will take flight in t-minus ten minutes. Where should it land?"
Carson's Response: "Let the bird fly towards the school store. Heading the same direction now."
Once outside the school bookstore, Athena waits for Carson to arrive. She takes a sip of the Cherry Pop and instantly regrets the decision.
"I don't understand how he can drink this stuff. Root Beer is way better."
"Taking a stab at my personal preference in soft drinks now?"
Carson walks over to Athen with his arms extended. He gives her a gentle hug over the shoulders and kisses her left cheek.
"Thank you for the food. And Cheery Pop beats Root Beer hands down."
"If that is what you want to believe Carson, then believe it. I got in touch with Dr. June today."
"And what did she say?"
Carson has started eating his burger while walking back towards Lemieux Library.
"I have an appointment scheduled for 11:00 am tomorrow. Short notice, but I want answers."
"Tomorrow is going to be tight for me. I have an exam at 11:00 am, then back-to-back lectures. Will this be alright with you?"
"I will manage."
She takes one of Carson's fries and smiles sheepishly.
"What are you doing the rest of today?"
"Heading home to rest. My body is sore all over the place and I vomited while getting your food."
"Athena. Why did you...."
"It came on suddenly...most likely from the donuts I had earlier. I treated myself to a snack from Pike Place Market."
"Daily Donuts?"
"Yep. Our first dating spot."
Carson finishes his burger and gulps his Cherry Pop.
"Let me know if you need anything from the store or food after you get home. Are you sure you will be alright going to the appointment by yourself Athena?"
"Yes, Carson. I will be alright, and who said anything about me going alone? We have the parents to lean on you know."
"I am glad your humor is back. May I get a kiss before disappearing into the library?"
Athena gives Carson a peck on the lips. He walks into Lemieux Library and disappears.
October 26th, 2007: Athena makes it home by 4:00 pm, her body is not having it: head spinning, chills, and random hot flashes. Not to mention aching bones and lost appetite.
"Time for a shower. The steam should rid my body of today's mess, then a light meal before heading to bed."
After a ninety-minute shower, Athena takes her time getting ready for bed: flossing and brushing her teeth, styling her dark-brown curls with leave-in conditioner and gel. She walks into the kitchen and heats a bowl of vegetable broth with rice. While her broth and rice heat up, she calls Hector.
"Why hello favorite daughter-in-law, what have I done to earn another phone call from you?"
"Hi, Hector. I wanted to ask if you are free tomorrow at 11:00 am?"
"I certainly am. Why do you ask?"
"Carson will be in class tomorrow, and I...I would like someone to come with me to my appointment."
"There now, I understand it has been a tough day. Tell you what, I will head over to Seattle around 7:00 am, and should make it there before 11:00 am. We can have coffee before your appointment if you are up to it."
"That sounds like an ideal plan."
"Just what I enjoy learning. Ok, I have to go. Rupert is bothering Luis again."
"Agh, Rupert. He is still alive? I could have sworn he had died years ago."
"Not really, he is on his ninth life. Sweet dreams Athena."
Click.