scope 2009-FINAL.qxd_scope06Final.qxd - SIU School of Medicine

Another moment.
Another Door.
“My back hurts.”
“Where exactly?”
“Between my shoulder blades. I think it is the drugs.”
“Drugs?”
“Meth, cocaine, marijuana, and everything… always more.”
“Are you on drugs right now?”
Laugh. “No! I’ve been off for years, but I think my drug days left a painful mark.”
Another door.
“My leg hurts.”
“Where?”
“It’s like a cramp in my calf when I walk.”
What is that? What causes it? What are the risk factors?
“We need to ultrasound your leg.”
Another door. Another door. Another door. I’m tired, it is time to go home.
As I drive, I feel worn. I want to sleep.
Garage door. Kitchen door. There stands my wife.
“Will you go on a drive with me?”
“I’d rather not. How about I take the baby, and you go alone?”
“Never mind.”
She is sad.
“What’s wrong?”
She is silent, looks away.
“What’s wrong?”
She walks a step or two sadly away.
“What (the hell) is wrong?”
“My mom called. My dad may have cancer.”
I held her. We went on a drive. We stayed up late talking.
I was tired, but I couldn’t close my eyes. Why not? I said a prayer on my back.
“God. Please be there for her. Thank you for her. I’m sorry I’m unable to fix
this, that I wasn’t prepared to help her. I’m sorry.”
Jacob Broderick
Class of 2012
1st Place Prose
SCOPE 2009 19