The metamorphosis

摘要

There is a loud knock at the door that arouses me from my catnap. A slow-to-progress labour and eventual call for a cesarean delivery had rendered my night insomniac. I'd assisted, since I was there already, and it was outside the basket of prepaid sendees. I'd managed a 3-hour power snooze before licking my wounds and heading to the day's clinic. Now, I think I can get through the evening clinic because our family health team is blessed with a multitude of interprofessional health care providers who will likely see all of the 20 or more patients who will arrive. Easy peasy. I can perfect my Angry Birds technique. "Dr. Kafka, Dr. Kafka, should we open the clinic doors for the after-hours clinic?" the receptionist questions. Is it already 5 pm? "Of course, of course," I shout. She doesn't hear me. "There are quite a few patients waiting, and it's already 5:02 pm, Dr. Kafka. Should we open the doors?" the receptionist asks again, a little louder.