Every Patient Matters - I

Amid the seemingly endless tide of patients that flooded through the front doors of Midland Hospital that evening, Julien was suddenly reminded of her hunger. In a rare lull, she pulled the foil off the top of her yogurt and reached for a spoon. Just as she put the first scoop into her mouth, the doors swung again and deposited three more unwell people into the lobby. They moved toward the reception desk where Julien was stationed.

Among them was Yako Walker. The yak's odor arrived at the desk before he did. His tattered, gray clothing swung as he lurched forward, clutching his stomach.

"Hello, Mr. Walker," said Julien with a warm smile. Her colleague, a female Great Dane named Ena, pinched her nose as she turned away to tend to the other patients.

"I'm in so much pain," Yako lamented. "I think it's my appendix."