As Matt exited the subway, he heard someone calling him. He stopped and turned around. It was Dr. Alvarez’s receptionist, Anna.
“Hello, Matt” she said when she reached him.
“Hello, Anna.”
“Do you usually take the subway?”
“No. I had a dental appointment downtown and decided to take the train instead. It’s less expensive and faster. I’m parked over at the Mall.”
“How are you and Gina doing?”
“We’re managing.”
“I know how devastating it must have been for you both when Gina miscarried.”
“What are you talking about? Gina hasn’t lost the baby.”
She stared at him in horror. “Oh, no. She didn’t tell you!”
100 Words
This post is for the Friday’s Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. You can find this week’s prompt here. To read other stories or to participate, click here.
Notes to Women 
That’s a terrible way to get such sad news, and poor Anna won’t be able to forgive herself either.
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Yes, it is. Poor Anna. It never occurred to her that Gina didn’t tell him. It’s something you would expect a wife to tell her husband.
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😱
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Gina has got some splainin to do.
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I’ll be waiting to hear it!
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Oh no! Poor guy, I feel sorry for him and the lady. Well written well done.
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Yes, this is terrible for both of them. Thanks, Mason.
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You’re welcome.
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Oh my goodness! I can’t imagine how Anna must feel, let alone Matt.
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A light conversation turns into a tragic revelation. Great dialogue, Adele, with a natural flow and pacing.
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Yes, it does. Poor Matt. Thanks, Dora 🙂
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Oh, what a cruel reality slap. Kinda feel sorry for Matt. Great story.
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Yes, it is a slap in the face for poor Matt. Thanks, Bear 🙂
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Oh how horrible, for all of them. But as a doctor’s receptionist talking about a patient’s case could get Anna into serious trouble apart from the sadness.
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Yes, it’s a horrible moment for all involved but you’re right, GH. Anna could get into trouble for mentioning the miscarriage. Perhaps she will let the doctor know even if it might cost her her job.
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One of those moments you wish you could redo a million times in your mind. You captured that dreadful moment very well here.
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Yes, it’s definitely one of those moments. Thanks, Lisa 🙂
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Ouch! That really hurt. You tell it so well.
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Yes, it’s one of those I wish I hadn’t said anything moments. Thanks, Jenne.
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Dear Adele,
What an awful way for a husband to find out. Anna shouldn’t have assumed. Well told.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Yes, it’s a terrible way for him to find out. And you’re right. Anna shouldn’t have assumed that he knew. She should have left it at “We’re managing” and move on to something else. Thanks 🙂
Shalom,
Adele
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In her defense, his answer of “we’re managing” could imply he did know… What a horrid feeling to find out that no, he didn’t. Of course, a nurse shouldn’t speak of her patient, even to the patient’s husband but…
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You nailed it, Dale. That’s why I had him say that. And you’re right. A nurse or doctor’s receptionist should never speak of a patient to anyone, even to the husband. It’s a horrible moment for both of them.
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It’s a tough one.
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That it is 😦
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Oh, boy. A sad turn of events that sounds like it’ll get worse before it gets better.
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You’re right. It’s going to get worse.
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Aw. 😞
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I can’t begin to imagine not telling my husband about such a tragedy, but sharing it with someone else. There’s trouble ahead, I think.
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I agree with you, Linda. Gina should have told him about it the very day she found out. And you’re right, trouble is ahead.
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