Who Said It? A True Story

She walked up and told the woman behind the counter, she was there for her appointment. The receptionist responded, "You are three hours early."
She nodded, and spoke in a whisper, "But, the tests are in."
The woman looked into her eyes, and said. "Yes dear, I will get you with the Doctor as soon as I can, I promise.
She forced a slight grin and took a seat in the waiting area. A few moments later, the grumbling in her stomach forced her to the door. In the hall, outside the glass walls, her pace quickened as she approached the lavatory. Inside, the sound of her stomach expelling fear vibrated through the confines of the small room. She hadn't eaten in nearly two days, so nothing else shared the space within her.
She staggered to the sink. The person looking back in the mirror seemed surreal, and unfamiliar. Awkwardly, she removed the disposable toothbrush from her purse and tried to freshen up before returning to the waiting area.
Within a few long moments, an attractive nurse rescued her from the public area. "Wait here, you'll be more comfortable. We will move across the hall, shortly." With that the darling girl adjusted the chair for her and turned down the lights.
She tried to get comfortable, but the force beating her up inside was too strong. Again, she darted out of the room praying the restroom was close by. For nearly four years, she had lived with the knowledge of a tumor growing inside her head. At first, there were no symptoms, but those days were gone. She could no longer deny that the dizziness and vertigo were becoming problematic. Soon, she would be armed with the knowledge she feared most, essentially, the damage report.
She was met in the corridor by a resident. He guided her into the room where the doctor would reveal the truths. The young doctor was kind and engaged her in small talk as he reviewed the scans. After his quick review, he stood, and excused himself.
Almost immediately, the student returned with his mentor, the chief surgeon. She liked the older man; on previous visits she felt a wonderful chemistry. He was warm and friendly, and reminded her of her father. The Surgeon patted her shoulder, before taking the seat beside her.
Soon, the screen lit up. The time had come, to know. The resident sat across from her, his face was kind, but attentive as his professor began to explain the destructive path the tumor had taken. His explanation was thorough, nothing could be misunderstood. Each and every tiny bone, now destroyed received his attention.
She listened as if it were about another person. She didn't flinch when he showed her the tumor had penetrated the small bone that protected her brain. The room became quiet for a few seconds. In unison, the three took a breath.
The Doctor turned to his computer and broke the silence. "I'll get you fixed up. We'll take care of you, Baby Girl."
She looked up at the resident. He smiled and shook his head. He had heard it. It had been less than a month since her Dad's funeral. Her Dad was the only one that had ever called her "Baby Girl."

Thank you, Daddy, I'm not afraid anymore.

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