The next morning, Raleigh breaks the news about Dr. Spiner's death.
"I'm also very sorry to tell you that the man was our own Dr. Emmanuel Spiner, head of Ravenwood. His partner and wife, Dr. Amanda Stewart, has taken a long leave of absence. We're going to keep our doors open. The job we do here is too important. Dr. Cybil Abernathy will take over Dr. Stewart's patients, and someone else is taking over for Dr. Spiner. That position has yet to be filled. For now, Dr. Anton McNulty will step into Dr. Spiner's position—until the board can decide a permanent replacement."
"What's this gonna do to our therapy?" Carlos asked. "I was supposed to get out in a week."
"Dr. Abernathy assures me that she is taking the day to get up to speed on Dr. Stewart's patients and will do her best not to delay you. There won't be sessions today, but they will resume tomorrow as scheduled."
"Well, that just sucks," Carlos complained.
"I'm sure Dr. Spiner didn't get himself killed just to spite you," Freddie snapped.
"Oh, stop," Carlos countered. "I know that. This is how I handle stress, I vent. You have a problem with that?"
"Yeah, I do," Freddie replied.
"Enough," Raleigh said. "Isn't it bad enough that someone is dead? If you need to talk to anyone, let me know, and I'll get you set up with an appointment to see one of the therapists."
"Isn't that Robbie's job?" Emma asked.
"Robbie is staying with Dr. Stewart. They're good friends. Any other questions?"
No one said anything.
"Enjoy breakfast," Raleigh said. "Chores begin after you eat. World can't stop—" Pressing his lips together, he turned on his heel and left.
"Dr. Spiner was his therapist," Tim confided. "They were real close. This is eating him up."
"Why doesn't he take some time off?" Emma asked. "Surely, they would let him."
"Because that's not his way. With both the doctors gone and Robbie out, he feels its his duty to keep us going. At least Molly will be here soon."
"How's Chip?" Emma asked.
"Doing great. The doctors say they can come home today."
"It will be good to have her back," Donna said. "I miss Molly. And she's bringing a baby!"
The women, including Vera, sighed.
"What is it about babies that makes all women gooey?" Benji asked, twitching.
"You wouldn't ever understand," Cory said. "You have testicles. At least, theoretically."
"I have balls," Benji replied defensively. "Wanna see 'em?" He grabbed at his fly.
Cory gave him a derisive look and a snort. "If you've seen one set of balls, you've seen them all. Right, girls?"
Sniffing haughtily, the women walked off, leaving the men to gape after them.
"Nicely played," Carlos said. "You managed to insult all of them at once. That's got to be a record." He walked off.
"What?" Benji asked, addressing the room in general.
"Never mind, dude. You wouldn't understand even if we explained," Glenn replied, following Carlos.
"Don't you have a job to do?" Freddie added his resentment to the long list, and followed the others.
Benji turned pleading eyes on Sam.
"What did I do?"
"I wouldn't even begin to know where to go with that," Sam replied. "But you insulted all the women, and most of the men. Me, I'm easy going. I don't get upset." He shrugged and walked off.
"I'm sorry?" Benji called after Sam.
Sam turned around, walking backwards a few steps, waving. "Only say it if you mean it." He headed up to his room.
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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