#FF — Just What the Patient Ordered


PHOTO PROMPT © Nancy Richy

Just What the Patient Ordered

The doctor will see you now.”

Startled from doomscrolling, I look up into the creased face of Harriet. She’s wearing Golden Girl themed scrubs today. I follow her away from the fuzzy grey chairs of the fuzzy grey room.

In stark contrast, Dr. Houdini’s cherry-wood-paneled office, with its colorful impressionist paintings and mildly lewd sculptures, is welcoming. Its red leather divan is dotted with cubist-themed merino wool pillows.

Dr. Houdini, with his infinite green eyes, seems small behind his giant penis-shaped desk.

The leather creaks as I sit.

Come to mama,” I say.

Dr. Houdini smiles and rises.

[~98 words]

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.

43 Comments Add yours

  1. elmowrites's avatar elmowrites says:

    errr… not sure to make of this one! I’m going to have to check back and read other comments for clues, I think!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Sorry to leave you clueless, Jen :) No worries. Probably a good sign.

      Like

  2. Liam's avatar Liam says:

    Was gonna asked about the “Golden Girl themed scrubs,” but then was thrown by the “giant penis-shaped desk.” Not sure what’s going on here or if I even want to know.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      No worries, Liam. Thanks for giving it a chance.

      Like

  3. Well there’s a band of characters to work with. Call me intrigued.
    Tracey

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks much, Tracey.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I can hazard an interpretation. The narrator isn’t a patient but a provider of services. But I may have got this quite wrong

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      It isn’t quite what I was thinking, but that version is hella good. I like how your mind works. Thanks, Neil.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. elmowrites's avatar elmowrites says:

        That’s what I wondered too, Neil. She certainly seems like a … dominant character

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I was left thinking the same thing as Neil.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

          Perhaps she pretends to be a patient to the elderly receptionist? I think the old woman is on to them though ;)

          Like

  5. Sandra's avatar Sandra says:

    How very erotic. My mind draws a veil over the next few lines…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      <3 Probably a good idea.

      Like

  6. plaridel's avatar plaridel says:

    he’s rising to the occasion, i suppose?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      He certainly is. Thanks for reading and your comment, Plaridel.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I sense the patient has become the provider, though I may be wrong! You sure have us all intrigued!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      I love the way you put that, Keith. I think you and Neil have tweaked the story better than my original imagining.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Wow. I like it a lot. An affair with the doctor, eh? Very nicely crafted. Loved the penis-shaped desk. Good clue, too! Brava!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks so much, Susan :)

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Dear Lisa,

    I might have thought the patient was the one offering the um…services. But reading the comments, I’m not so sure. I like fuzzy grey chairs in the fuzzy grey room. Great description that sets the tone.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Rochelle, you know how it is with stories. You birth them and let them fly out into the world. Thank you for your always kind comments.
      Shalom,
      Lisa

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I love the descriptions of the waiting room and Dr. Houdini’s office. A bit of subtlety in that. And Dr. Houdini? What a delightfully choice name

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Alicia, you know how they say some psychiatrists work miracles with their patients? I thought Dr. Houdini would be perfect. Thank you :)

      Like

  11. Intriguing descriptions in this one. I agree with the others. It seems she is the provider of services. Creative!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      :) She’s the one writing the prescription for sure!

      Like

  12. James McEwan's avatar James McEwan says:

    I wonder what the Dr intends to cure. There is an erotic tone creeping in, I can’t imagine the desk rising.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Fun comment. Thanks, James :)

      Liked by 1 person

  13. That last line is a head-scratcher, Lisa …. not to mention the penis desk. This sounds like one sick puppy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks for reading and trying to “get” the story.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s a little weird for me since this pic was actually taken in my doctor’s waiting room! Sometimes it’s not easy to separate fact from fiction.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

          Nancy, I laugh to think of you the next time you go to the doctor and wonder…

          Sorry if my story threw you off.

          Like

  14. Laurie Bell's avatar Laurie Bell says:

    So many questions. Two fabulous characters hinting at more to be told. I’m intrigued

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Laurie thanks so much :)

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m with Neil on the association and wondering about what exactly is going on, and who is ‘servicing’ whom …

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      lol Thanks, Na’ama!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Violet Lentz's avatar Violet Lentz says:

    I hope Dr. Houdini is paying for this session! heheheh

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Oh he will pay ;)

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Well that, was creepy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks for reading, Dawn.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Carol anne's avatar Carol anne says:

    Very creative Li! :D

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      :) Thanks, Carol Anne.

      Like

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