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

But really — lighten up. You look so serious. You can’t save the world. You have got to
stop trying to save patients who don’t want to be saved. Help those who ask for your
help.”
“Is that why you didn’t fight harder to make him stay?” I asked.
“You mean rant and rave and make a big scene?”
I nodded.
“I would have if I thought it would have done any good. He’s an adult. I’m not a
parent. He’s made up his mind. I’ve met many Mr. Boone’s before. You can’t change
them.”
I had no reply. Inwardly, I thought he was wrong.
As I was walking through the hospital lobby on my way out of the building, I caught
sight of Mr. Boone and a woman I presumed was his wife. They were walking ahead of
me. Although I didn’t get a look at her face she seemed like an average middle-aged
woman. The thought occurred to me that she might not be his wife. Maybe he was
having an affair, felt guilty about it, and wanted to leave his wife the money. That seemed
awfully involved. My suspicions broadened. Had he taken something to induce a heart
attack? My mind was running away with me.
Should I try to meet the woman? Should I run up and urge Mr. Boone to fill his prescription?
I couldn’t believe he was prepared to go through with his plan. If he didn’t fill
the prescription, the die was cast. I imagined him dying somewhere from a massive heart
attack. I’d give you maybe two months, Mr. Boone— less if you use the stairs or run for
a bus.
I watched as he stopped near the exit and pulled out my business card and prescription.
He paused a moment, then nonchalantly tore them up and tossed them in the trash
can. Catching up with his wife outside the door, he disappeared down the street. She
never looked behind.
30
SCOPE 2009
Elizabeth D. Tate
Department of Neurology
2nd Place Prose