The Truth About Antonio (standard:drama, 957 words)
Author: kathyg	Added: Feb 23 2004	Views/Reads: 3696/2309	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Antonio and Rita have been in love for over 40 years. Is the truth always a good thing? An ethical issue.

The Truth About Antonio 

by 

Kathyg. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Antonio clutches Rita's hand tightly as she opens the door to the Family
Practice Clinic and leads him into the waiting room. Rita signs him in 
at the Reception desk and they both take a seat. 

"Darling, the doctor must look at your rash. It is as simple as that.
Stop being such a baby." 

"You're right." ,says Antonio, looking down at the floor. 

Rita pats his hand and reaches over for a magazine. 

"Antonio Santini?", says the receptionist. 

"Yes, I am Antonio." 

"Follow me, please." 

The receptionist leads Antonio and his wife into the doctor's office. 

The doctor shakes Antonio's hand. "Sit down Antonio. What seems to be
the problem?" 

"Doc, can you take a look at the back of my neck?" 

Antonio turns around and points to the red rash. 

"It looks like dermatitis. I recommend applying calamine lotion as
needed." 

The doctor writes up the case while talking to Antonio and his wife,
taking notes for his chart. "Antonio, I notice that you have never had 
a complete physical exam. If the clinic is to be responsible for you, 
more information about your medical history is necessary." 

"As you leave the clinic today, Antonio, please stop by the
receptionist's desk and make an appointment for a complete physical." 

Antonio's face turns stone cold white. Rita looks down at the floor but
says nothing to the doctor. 

"What is the matter, Antonio? 

Antonio begins to cry and shortly after, he begins to sob
uncontrollably. 

At this time, both the doctor and nurse usher Antonio and Rita into a
nearby exam room. 

"I am confused, Antonio. Tell me, honestly, what is the matter? Don't be
afraid to tell me." 

"Let's take a look, shall we? Rest assured, whatever it is that upsets
you, it will stay here in this room." 

He leaves the room while Antonio undresses for the examination and puts
on a gown. When the doctor returns, Antonio is sitting on the exam 
table sobbing. As the doctor opens up the exam gown, his concern turns 
to shock. It seems that Antonio is suffering from profoundly deformed 
and ambiguous genitalia. 

"You are brave to come here today. I am so sorry." 

"Thank you, Doc." 

"I am here if you want to talk." 

After a while, he  stops sobbing. "You don't know how relieved I am that


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