The Doctor

Went to the clinic for my unstoppable runny nose and cough. My favourite doctor was in charge that day. I like him not because he's pretty(He's way beyond my father's age anyway), but because he likes to talk. Meaningful talk.

Doctor: Do you smoke?

Mate: Yes.

Doctor: *Checking my throat* How long have you been smoking?

Mate: 8-9 years?

Doctor: Hmmm. 10 years. How many sticks a day?

Mate: 10-14.

Doctor: 14 times 30 equals to 420, 420 times 12 equals to 5040, 5040 times 10 equals to?

Mate: *Grinning*

Doctor: You see, it's these runny nose and cough that you'll get every once in a while. Those cancers, you know, lung and and all that might followed in ten or twenty years later. It's your nose now and maybe your oesophagus next.*Begins to scribble some notes on the newspaper on his desk*

By this time he even drew an alveolus and explained things. I forgot what was that all about on my way home.

We went further when he asked me about my job and what I do.

Doctor: Oh, we need lots of IT people like you now. I read it from this newspaper few days ago.*Pointing to his copy of New Straits Times with his earlier scribbles and cardiacal drawings on the edge*

Mate: *Smiling and nodding*(They don't need people like me, trust me.)

Doctor: Oh, so you read about it too?

Mate: Yeah, I think I read it from The Sun. *Showing a copy in my hand*

Doctor: The Sun. I don't really like them. I read NST all my life. My wife likes The Star. So when I'm home, I'll read The Star. But NST is still my favourite. My neighbours read The Star too. This newspaper*Pointing to my copy* I don't understand them. They make much noise. You see, I'm a peaceful person. Just let the government do their jobs. You know with bloggers and all that.

Mate: *Grinning* (Oh doctor, come next election you'll know and understand)

I left the room with a smile and a bunch of people at the waiting area looking at me weirdly.

The Imposter

This is going to be short. Leading a double life has never been easy for me. People who don't know me really well have this high expectation on me. I may look like a cool straight guy they want to hang around with. I may look like a cool straight guy with girlfriends and has no problem bring back home one anytime. I may look like a cool straight guy who has wild Friday night outs, when in fact, I'm playing their games. I had never suggested anything but they seem to know more about me than myself. One even want to be in my sexual fantasy. It maybe just a joke but like I always say, be careful what you wish for, lest it come true. Right mate? Hehe.

When asked about what I should tell them when they keep asking me about my girlfriend and even wanted to see her, a good friend gave me a sluggish idea. Tell them that she flies, a stewardess you know. She flies, so it's not easy to see her.

Sounds good but I'm sorry, I'll not go to that extend. Once again, I'm not a liar mate.

So I go with the occasional, classic "I don't have one". Keep asking me and I'll keep chanting the same thing. They don't buy me, that's their bloody problem. It's never been easy for me. My heart will never be easy.