A Wee-Hour Call

 The phone rang at 3 a.m. The operator at the Torrance Residence Inn announced that a guest with a sore throat wanted a visit. At 8:30 the following morning.

“Why did she call now?” I asked.

“I don’t know. She hung up.”

The operator gave the patient’s information. The Torrance Residence Inn is fifteen miles away. I do not like long drives during the rush hour, so this was already a problem visit. Getting back to sleep was unlikely. I’d probably lay awake and fume.

Guests who phone for a doctor late at night often feel bad. so I took a chance and called. The guest was awake and feeling bad. When I told her I could be there in 45 minutes, she was amenable. I threw on my clothes. The drive was easy. I gave her the necessary medicines. Everyone was satisfied.     

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