Page 64 of Skate the Line

Sunny shifts. “No.”

“No?” the doctor questions.

She shakes her head as if she’s clearing her thoughts. “I mean, you can ask me questions. But I’d like him to stay. I’m already nervous and—” Sunny stops herself from saying anything else. Her words are rushed.

I don’t like seeing her like this. She’s full of nerves, and it dulls the sunshiny vibe she always has.

“That’s fine, Allison.”

She winces.

Is Allison her real name? Why didn’t I know that?

It must have generated after they entered her social security number, along with her past medical care.

“Do you currently feel safe?”

I grip the handles of my chair.

“Yes,” Sunny answers quickly, and I’m certain she is keeping her gaze away from me on purpose.

“Are you experiencing any more abuse?”

Abuse?

The doctor glances at me, as ifI’mthe one who has abused her.

“No,” Sunny answers, quieter than before.

The doctor clears his throat and asks another question. “Are you experiencing any emotional symptoms related to past abuse?”

Is that why she’s so jumpy?

I swallow thickly. I am on the edge of my seat, both physically and mentally.

“Not really.” She shrugs.

“Not really?” The doctor’s question lingers.

I’m seconds from pacing.

Sunny sighs. “Is this really necessary? I just came to get some stitches for my finger.”

“And how exactly did you injure your finger?” The doctor glances at me with a look that I can’t help but feel offended by.

“For fuck’s sake,” I snap. “She cut it with a knife as she was cutting up a cucumber for her salad. Now go get the nurse for her stitches so we can get out of here. She’sclearlyuncomfortable at hospitals and even more so with you implying that I’ve hurt her.”

“I’m not implying that,” he states calmly.

Sunny sits up taller. “He most certainly did not hurt me, Doctor Cline. In fact, I asked him to stay here with me because he’s right…I’m uncomfortable at hospitals. The last time I was seen at a hospital…” Her words trail, and I silently beg her to finish. “Well, you know.” She nods to the computer. “I appreciate you asking the right questions and inquiring, but that is in the past, and I'd really like to be on my way.”

Doctor Cline clasps his hands. “Okay. Well, I’ll have the nurse in within a few minutes to get you stitched. However, if you need…help…you know where to find me.”

He can fuck right off.

If she needs help, she can ask me.

Sunny nods once, and then he’s gone.

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