Erika's First Gynecological Exam
Part I - Checking In
Erika got out of her car. She was home from the summer from college, and most of her summer was occupied by a part time job and hanging out with friends, but today, it was time for her annual doctor visit.
She walked into the small local clinic and went to the front desk. A friendly looking receptionist said "Good afternoon, how can I help?"
"I'm Erika Rogers, here for an 11AM appointment."
"Very good," the receptionist said, as she looked at computer screen. "Just have a seat and Dr. Adams will be with you in just a few minutes." Dr. Adams was their family doctor. Erika had been seeing him since she was young.
Erika sat down in the waiting room. A mother sat as a young boy ran around the room, but otherwise, the room was empty. Erika pulled out her phone and scrolled through social media for a couple minutes.
"Erika?" A young nurse appeared at the entrance of a hallway. Erika stood up and walked toward her. "I'm Nurse Jessie, I'll be getting you ready for Dr. Adams today."
They walked down the hall to a room simply marked with a "4" on the door. They walked into the room. "Erika, this year a pap test and pelvic exam are included in your visit, so we need you to undress completely and put on the gown on the table here. I'll leave for a couple minutes for you to get ready, OK?"
Erika froze for a moment. She knew this was a possibility, but it still surprised her. No one had said anything about any pap test or pelvic exam when she'd called to make her appointment. She thought this would just be a routine physical like every year. A million thoughts ran through her head - what was this going to feel like? Would it be weird having Dr. Adams examining her like this? Was there any way of getting out of it? Probably not, she concluded. She finally responded "OK, thanks," trying to act cheerful.
The nurse left the room and closed the door.
It started out well. Keep writing!