Her illness had taken most of her hair and much of her strength, but it had not taken her sense of humor.
One afternoon, I entered her room to discuss her latest blood results. She was watching a nurse arrange her medication.
“Doctor Bennett,” she announced, “I have an important question.”
I pulled a chair closer to her bed.
“All right. What is it?”
“If I get better, can I sue this hospital for emotional damage?”
The nurse burst out laughing.
I raised an eyebrow.
“Emotional damage?”
“Yes. The food is terrible, the television has six channels, and everyone keeps telling me to rest. I’m eighteen, not eighty.”
“You’re also a patient recovering from a serious illness.”
“Exactly. So I deserve better entertainment.”
I tried to remain serious, but she caught me smiling.
“There!” she said triumphantly. “I knew you could smile.”
I shook my head and reviewed her treatment plan.
