“He’s better now. We took an ambulance here, which was pretty scary and I think a little traumatizing for both of us. He’s eaten strawberries before. I don’t know what happened. But he had a few bites of one and I went to get something from the fridge and when I turned around his lips were swollen and he looked like he was having trouble breathing so I called 911. They stayed on the phone with me until they got to the apartment,” she explains, tears welling in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Kendall—"
And just as I’m about to complete my thought, there’s a brisk knock on the door followed by a stubby, balding man who appears to be in his early sixties. Without looking up from his notes, he announces, “I’m Doctor Larson, I’ll be in charge of Kio’s care and discharge planning today.”
“His name is Akio,” I state, emphasizing the vowel sound. Doctor Larson mispronouncing Akio’s name was his first mistake.
“My apologies. You must be Akio’s parents,” he responds without a single hint of remorse, shaking both of our hands. My eyes quickly flick to my son, hoping he didn’t hear the doctor declare me as his parent, but he is too wrapped up in his iPadto notice anything else. Kendall answers for us. “I’m his mother, Kendall. I just want to make sure he is going to be okay. He seems better now, still a little shaken up though.”
“Your son is going to be just fine. The swelling has come down significantly. He appears to be acting normal. All of his vitals look good and stable. He can probably go home in a few hours.”
“But he’s eaten strawberries before, and he’s never had a reaction. Is that typical?” she asks, lowering her voice and stepping around to the front of the hospital bed.
“Sometimes allergies come on seemingly out of nowhere. It’s possible he has been allergic to strawberries in the past, but the reaction just might not have been as severe or even detectable. We are going to send you home with an EpiPen that can be used if something like this happens again. Additionally, it might be a good idea to let your family members, pediatrician, and any daycare providers know so they are aware of his allergies and how to treat his symptoms. I promise a good night’s sleep and some extra snuggle time and he will be just fine.”
“Okay, thank you so much. I appreciate it. Is there any way he could be discharged sooner rather than later? I have to work tomorrow.”
“Unfortunately, we are short-staffed tonight and have a few traumas in the ER. But we will try to get you home as soon as we possibly can,” he offers while listening to Akio’s lungs with a stethoscope. Making Kendall and I feel like Akio was not high on his priority list was his second mistake.
“If there’s nothing else…” he states, standing next to the hospital bed. I curl my knuckles into my palms to keep from grabbing him by his shirt.
“Actually, there is. I have it on good authority that the Boston Bucks make a generous yearly donation to this hospital. I also know a few of the acting board members personally. If you wantthat money to keep flowing and retain your job, I would suggest you get us discharged immediately,” I snarl. Kendall scowls at me and I can’t tell if she’s angry or embarrassed.
“I don’t take kindly to threats, Mr…” his voice trails off, and I know he’s staring at me trying to place me, wondering why my racially ambiguous face seems so familiar.
“Matsumoto. Kai Matsumoto,” I finish. He stands up a little straighter and deposits his pen in his jacket pocket and stethoscope around his neck.
“Ah yes, Mr. Matsumoto. Again, I will try to hurry things along, but I really don’t have the power or ability to make this entire department more efficient. After all, this is a public hospital and patients will be treated and discharged based on the severity of their injuries and illnesses, and level of acuity. I suggest you all get comfortable.”
As soon as he exits the room, Kendall pulls me into the bathroom by my arm. The harsh fluorescent lights flicker on and reveal a small toilet and sink.
“What the hell was that stunt?” she demands, eyebrows furrowed and her cheeks flushed. I forgot how cute she is when she’s angry. For a second, I imagine what it would be like to kiss her with her back pressed against the door of this bathroom.
“Nothing, he was just pissing me off. I thought maybe some name recognition might get us out of here faster,” I shrug trying to get rid of all the fantasies this forced proximity was planting in my head.
“He was actually pretty nice as far as pediatric doctors go. He’s just doing his job.”
“I know I was an asshole. I just feel like Akio deserves better and I didn’t like that he said his name wrong. You know it happened to me all the time as a kid. I hate that shit.”
“I know you do,” she tuts.
“Wait, back up, what do you mean as far as pediatric doctors go? Has he been to the hospital a lot?” I ask, my head starting to spin, wondering what else I’ve missed in the past two years.
A panicked look spreads over her face as she chews on her bottom lip.
“I used to date a pediatric doctor that worked here. He didn’t treat me very well to put it bluntly,” she confesses.
“What do you mean he didn’t treat you well?” I press, taking a step closer to her.
“Ugh, it was so long ago. I don’t even want to think about it. He was just arrogant and belittling. He made sure I knew my place, which he considered to be far below him. Seeing as how I was just a paralegal, a single mom, and could barely afford my rent. And he was a hotshot doctor making well above six figures.”
I slowly tilt her chin up towards my face, wanting her to hear every word I’m about to say. Her hazel eyes soften and focus on me; they’re a lighter shade of green today with shimmering flecks of gold.
“Kendall, any guy who makes you feel like you are less than the fucking beautiful, intelligent, extraordinary gift that you are does not deserve your time, okay? And any guy that doesn’t worship the fucking ground you walk on is a moron.” She starts blushing, her tan cheeks turning a deep scarlet and I know I’ve made my point.
“It’s fine, Kai, it was a long time ago. It’s ancient history.”
“No, Kendall, it's not fine.”