Medical dilemma requires mom to examine son… Laura was in a state of panic. Absolute horror. To make matters worse, this had all been her fault. She was the one who had rented a tiny two-bedroom vacation home in a small European town, during her son’s winter break from college, knowing that the weather would be icy.
She had good reason though. This had been her ancestor’s homeland for many generations. She had heard about this place from her grandparents and seen pictures of it in family photo albums. Who could blame her for wanting to explore her distant roots?
Unfortunately, her son Ben had fallen through a sheet of ice, plunging his body into freezing water. He was shivering and shaking when he made it out, showing all sorts of critical signs, but later insisted that he’d be okay.
Now, as Ben rested comfortably in his room, Laura spoke with a local doctor, a short elderly woman, who was nice enough to make the trip to their place. The conversation was rushed, however, since the doctor was in a hurry to leave because of an incoming snow storm.
“He is very, very lucky,” the doctor said with a heavy accent. “It was good he made it out of the water immediately and no serious harm was done.”
The doctor had an ultra friendly demeanor and seemed jovial about things. Even in her old age, her passion for helping people in times of distress had not faded.
“Thank you so much,” Laura exhaled. “I was afraid we couldn’t get a doctor here with the weather outside. You’re an angel.”
Once again, the doctor beamed, which highlighted every wrinkle on her face as her eyes lit up.
“It is my job.”
Laura reached for her purse and dug through it. “Thanks again. You deserve an extra tip, on top of whatever I already owe you.”
“No, no,” the doctor said, shaking her head, waving away the money. “Not yet. Not yet.”
“Why?”
“I don’t take money until patient is fully healed. I am honorable doctor.”
Laura was slightly confused by this. “Are you saying that Ben is not fully recovered yet?”
“We still need more check-up,” the doctor explained with a heavy accent. “People suffering from hypothermia often do not realize it, so he needs to be monitored for next few days. We need to make sure his sensitive organs have no damage.”
Laura nodded. “Okay, that makes perfect sense. You can stop by anytime.”
“I am quite busy – personal reasons.”
Laura resisted the urge to panic and tried to be calm about this. “What should I do then? Take him to the nearest hospital when the snow storm ends?”
“No, no. Not necessary. It is simple process and you can handle yourself. Okay?”
The doctor went over to her supply bag and put a notepad on the table. For the next few moments, she quickly jotted down some notes and instructions, then handed the paper to Laura, who quickly read it.
“Do you understand?” the doctor asked while Laura scanned the note.
Laura’s eyes were glued to the paper. “Is all of this really necessary?”
“Lasting effects of hypothermia may not be fully known. It is important to keep monitoring him.”
The doctor flashed another big smile and then gathered her things. She seemed hurried to leave, completely oblivious that the American values which Laura held were far more modest than those in this insular town.