Thin Skin

He can see a shadow cast through the blinds of the glass door. It dances on the linoleum and across the cot. The door opens with a click and the boy is met with a surprising sight. Anderson figured that he’d be dealing with another bucket-kicker, but his new man can’t be older than thirty.

“I ‘ppreciate your patience. The elevator wasn’t as forgiving today as it usually is…”

Anderson notices the sea-green eyes and their glassy quality, though, that bright face of his doesn’t convey a shred of sadness. Moving on from that, Anderson takes note of the freckles and the light flyaway hair.

“Keep sitting tight, there. Let me just look through your papers, and then we’ll start.”

“Are you a doctor?” asks Anderson.

“According to my name tag, yes. But you can just call me Harold. It's much less intimidating than 'Doctor Clyde'.”

The doctor sets the files down on the desk and slips into a worn swivel chair, a more comfortable spot than the plastic chair Anderson had been punished with. The boy watches this stranger thumb through his printed history. He goes back to his face, waiting for a furrowed brow or a faltering smile as the reading continues–but nothing changes. This doctor must be a good actor.

“Sparse medical history…”

“I was always healthy,” lies Anderson, quick as always. The doctor does raise a disbelieving brow at this, but doesn’t contest to the claim.

He can sense the point where the doctor comes across the residential records and the forensic assessments, due to the increased frequency at which he blinks, and the twitch at the corners of his mouth.

The doctor finally closes the records, rolling over to the cabinets to grab his kit. “Alright, Alvin–”

“It’s Anderson.”

An awkward pause. The doctor winces, then struggles to regain his social footing. “Anderson. Sorry… ‘s a good name. I can see why you prefer that. Anyway, there’s the scale to your left. I just need to measure your height and weight.”

Anderson complies, grasping the sides of his hospital gown as the doctor adjusts the stadiometer. He seems none too impressed by the weight results.

“You’re a little on the thin side… We’ll have to talk about your diet sometime this week. I’m sure it’s nothing vitamins and a good schedule can’t fix.”

He tests Anderson’s blood pressure and brings out the stethoscope for the heart and lung checkup. Anderson, uncomfortable with anyone nearing his bubble, struggles to keep composure as his front and back are touched. It’s thankfully quick, as the doctor might’ve felt the tension arise. After the temperature, nose, eyes, ears, and dental check, Anderson braces himself for the next test.

“I hate to say it, but we’re gonna need some of your blood. How are you around needles?”

Anderson already looks away, hesitating to stick his arm out. “Fine…”

“That’s good,” says the doctor, softer. He does his best not to make it a show as he holds the syringe. “Iris made sure that you didn’t eat or drink before this, right?”

Anderson nods, shivering as the doctor takes a wipe to the crook of his elbow. He can feel the needle break the skin, and it feels wrong. He tries his damnedest to keep it together.

“I know you’re scared, Anderson.” The doctor’s voice sounds distant, an afterthought compared to the anxious ramblings in Anderson’s head.

“It’s jarring, I get it. We’re trying our best to help—cushion the fall. You’re one heck of a kid, so you get first class with us. Just relax.”

The needle is removed. Anderson immediately slumps, letting go of the pressure in his lungs. The doctor cleans up the pinprick and places a Snoopy bandaid over it.

“Don’t worry, it’s weird for everyone–seeing the blood outside instead of in…”

“I’m used to seeing it,” says Anderson, hurriedly adding, “Cuts and scrapes–Mother said I had thin skin.”

The doctor holds a vial up, letting the boy watch how the red catches the light.

“See that?” he says. “Liquid gold. Genius in a bottle.”

It makes Anderson scoff.

“You think I’m kidding?” A flicker of seriousness crosses the doctor’s face. “You haven’t seen nothing yet. Wait until Francesca talks to you.”