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The Appointment



β€œJack, did you say? You're probably asking for me, instead. John Wilson. Yes, that's me right there – line number 7. What's that? No, sorry, don't know him. Not personally, anyway. I'm mistaken for him a lot, though. No, don't apologize - it happens all the time. Jack disappeared about 6 months ago, from what I've heard. The same day I arrived in town, as a matter of fact.

β€œI look a lot like him? Yeah, I get that a lot, too. Yeah, I have to admit it can get pretty annoying sometimes, let me tell you! Who'd want to be linked with that

guy? By all accounts he was a loser. How do I know? I looked into it a bit. He had the same dead-end job for 25 years. Nervous, hypertensive type. Didn't have many friends. And those he did have were anchored to the same row of barstools every night.

β€œIt ended up costing him his family. Lost his wife to another man for a while, I hear. Kids wouldn't talk to him. And according to his brother, he didn't fight for them. Hard not to hate a guy like that.

β€œSorry? Clipboard? Sure. Here you are. All the information's correct. Anything else you need? Oh, right. Here's my insurance card.

β€œThat Jack was a case, that's for sure. Can't say it's a bad thing, though. It's worked out pretty well for me. I applied for a job at the same company as a matter of fact. I'd never take that same job Jack had, of course. Accounting's a real bore. But they've had some openings recently in customer service. Turns out I'm pretty suited to it. Yeah, I like people. Everyone I've met in town since I arrived has been really nice. Well, with the exception of some of Jack's old friends. They've been pretty cool to me, even suspicious. Maybe I just remind them of Jack too much. I guess that would freak me out a little, too. Someone you know just disappears in a flash, and someone you've never met shows up looking just like him. One guy even told me it's like I'm a 'body snatcher' or something. I noticed he avoided me at Mel's Diner after that. That's OK. You can't be everyone's ice cream flavor, can you? Live and let live, I say. Kinda have to in a small town, right?

β€œWhat's that? Oh, thanks. Don't want to forget the card. I still have to be careful with things. I tend to lose them a lot. Yes, it's getting a lot better, though. Thanks for asking.

β€œHey, you know what shocked me the most? It's what Jack left behind. I've met that wife of his. Yes, Sarah - the one he abandoned. She's a knockout! Oh, that's right, you've met her. Did you know we started dating recently? I can't for the life of me imagine why that Jack left her. She's got plenty of virtues worth sticking around for. And I plan to. Oh, stop laughing. You know what I mean. And it's not just her looks. Just last week Sarah's sister was just joking that I killed off Jack so I could take his place. Maybe I did.

β€œHer kids are pretty amazing, too. I've been able to step in and help out a bit. Went to Karen's volleyball tournament last week. I'll probably be up to attending Jim's football game in Smithville next week. That is, if everything checks out with the doctor today.

β€œHe's ready? Great.

β€œGood to see you again, Doc! Yes, sir, I'm doing well. The speech and occupational therapy ended 2 months ago. Yes, really. How long's it been altogether? Well, tomorrow it'll be six months since the stroke. All in all? I feel like a new man.”

Imprint

Text: Bram Floria
Editing: Bram Floria
Publication Date: 10-25-2012

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