Isis Interludes: Doctors & Remedies
At 10:56, we arrived at Oniye Medical Clinic. I had no appointment, but my sister, the owner of the clinic, had already informed me she would be in her office preparing for afternoon appointments. This meant I should arrive 25 minutes later with Kaos and treats to negotiate with.
The clinic was a cozy, modern facility with pastel-colored walls and comfortable seating. To my surprise, a few patients were leaving, and one was in the waiting room, flipping through an outdated magazine. I spoke briefly with the receptionist, a cheerful woman, before taking a clipboard with documents to fill out.
Seated in the waiting room, I began on the paperwork while Kaos returned from her aunt's office with a Capri Sun and a Lunchable. She had a triumphant smile on her face. I sent her to inquire about the wait time, but she came back with no information and food instead. That is definitely my child.
The waiting room was quiet except for the hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustling of paper. There was a faint smell of disinfectant mixed with the scent of coffee brewing from the staff room nearby. After completing the paperwork, I returned it to the receptionist and settled in to wait patiently.
Thirty minutes later, my sister appeared from the back, wearing her white coat and a warm smile. She motioned for me to follow. Kaos, now engrossed in her snack and a small toy dinosaur she had brought along, gathered her things and trailed behind us.
We walked through a narrow hallway lined with framed certificates and cheerful artwork. My sister led us into a spacious, well-lit office with a large desk and an examination table. She closed the door behind us and turned to give Kaos a big hug before getting down to business.
"So, how's everything going?" she asked, settling into her chair and gesturing for me to sit on the examination table.
"Pretty well," I replied. "I'm in my second trimester now."
"Great to hear," she said, pulling out my medical file. "Let's do a quick check-up and see how things are progressing."
She began by checking my blood pressure and weight, making notes on her tablet. As she worked, she asked about any symptoms I had been experiencing. I mentioned the occasional bouts of fatigue and mild nausea, but overall, things had been manageable.
"That's all normal," she reassured me. "Every pregnancy is different, but it sounds like you're doing well."
Kaos, now finished with her snack, was playing quietly with her dinosaur on the floor. My sister smiled at her before continuing.
"Let's talk about your diet and exercise," she said, turning her attention back to me. "It's important to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Make sure you're getting enough calcium and iron too."
I nodded, already making a mental note of what groceries to buy.
"And for exercise," she continued, "light to moderate activities are generally safe. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are great options. Just avoid anything too strenuous or high-impact."
"I've been doing some light yoga and going for walks," I said.
"Perfect," she replied, jotting down a few more notes. "Just keep listening to your body and don't overdo it. If anything feels off, don't hesitate to come in."
After finishing the check-up, she sat back and looked at me warmly. "You're doing great. Keep following these guidelines, and remember, I'm always here if you need anything."
"Thanks, sis," I said, feeling relieved and supported.
Her expression softened, and she leaned forward slightly. "How are you holding up otherwise? I know the breakup with Marquise has been tough."
I sighed, feeling the weight of the past few weeks settle on my shoulders. "It's been hard. The stress has been adding up, and sometimes it feels overwhelming."
She reached out and squeezed my hand. "I'm so sorry you're going through this. Breakups are always difficult, especially now. Have you been able to talk to anyone about it?"
"I've talked to a few friends, but it's still hard to process everything," I admitted. "I worry about the impact on the baby too."
"Your mental health is just as important as your physical health," she said gently. "It's okay to seek professional help if you need it. There are counselors who specialize in prenatal and postnatal care. It might help to have someone to talk to regularly."
"I'll think about it," I said, appreciating her concern.
"Remember, you're not alone," she added. "Kaos and I are here for you. And it's okay to lean on us."
"I know, and actually, Vincent has been checking on me a lot," I said, a small smile forming. "He's been really supportive. After I drop Kaos off at Mom's house, he's taking me out for snacks. It's been nice to have a distraction and someone to talk to."
My sister's face brightened. "That's great to hear. Having a good support system makes a big difference. Enjoy your time with Vincent, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything more."
"Thanks, sis," I said, feeling a bit more at ease.
She gave me a reassuring smile and then turned her attention to Kaos. "And you, young lady, were a big help today. How about a sticker for being so good?"
Kaos's eyes lit up as my sister handed her a colorful sticker. With that, we wrapped up the visit, feeling confident and well-cared for.
//6:28pm : Filling up the tank
It is now 6:28, and Vincent has driven me to get my favorite snacks and ice cream. We wandered through the aisles of my favorite convenience store, picking out chips, candy, and more. The familiar neon lights of the store flickered softly as we chatted, the casual conversation a soothing balm to my stressed mind.
After loading up on treats, Vincent insisted on driving my car to a nearby gas station. He stops a few minutes up the road, he parks, telling me to wait and he will return soon. Moments pass and he emerges at the passenger side window with a pint of my favorite ice cream. Quickly getting back inside, we continue on to the gas station.
He filled up the tank while I sat in the passenger seat, watching him through the window and feeling a wave of gratitude. His kindness and attention to the little things made a world of difference.
On the way back, we talked about everything and nothing—old memories, silly jokes, and the latest movies we wanted to watch. As we pulled into my driveway, I turned to him with a pleading smile.
“Can we stay a little longer? Maybe watch the Shrek movies?” I asked, hoping to prolong the comfort of his company.
Vincent chuckled, nodding. “Of course. I could use a good laugh.”
We headed inside, snacks in hand, and settled onto the couch. As the familiar opening of the first Shrek movie began to play, I felt a wave of gratitude for his companionship and the comfort it brought. We laughed at the jokes, quoting our favorite lines, and the mood lightened even further with each scene.
By the time the second movie started, we were both relaxed, sinking deeper into the couch cushions. The combination of laughter, good company, and a familiar, comforting movie made the worries of the past weeks seem distant. For the first time in a while, I felt a genuine sense of peace. Vincent’s presence was a soothing reminder that I wasn’t alone, and as we continued to watch, I found myself smiling more easily, feeling truly at ease in the moment.
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