The doctor asked Aunt Frannie to leave.
She hesitated by the door and then slowly turned around and left me sitting in the office, on the doctor’s paper covered table. “I’ll be right outside the door, hon.” Her voice was like a bell in a hurricane.
The doctor shut the door. His colorless eyes looked like dried chickpeas crushed under Coke bottles. “Remove your gown please.”
I could hardly lift my arms, but I obeyed. I slipped the gown down my shoulders, and then pull it gently off. I wondered if my underwear was clean.
“Lie on your back, please.”
The paper sheet rustled under my back. It was cold, too.
“Turn your face to the left.”
The doctor’s hands were warm. His skin was loose, as though he wore a mask of second-hand skin.
“Look into the light please. Follow it.”
I watched the
