Dr. Rubber Duckie: Great Aunt Gertie’s ghost Leibchen, what is that big purple thing on your leg?

Me: Cast.

Dr. RD: Oh dear, how unfortunate for you.

Me: Quite.

Dr. RD: Though I must say that the board across the edges of the tub is a clever idea, keeps it up out of the water nicely eh?

Me: Yep.

Dr. RD: [Making a notation] ‘One word responses, possible depression setting in?’

Dr. RD:
How are you managing to get around the house?

Me: Wheelchair.

Dr. RD: [Frowning] Would you like to tell me how it happened?

Me: Nope.

Dr. RD: [Checking his clipboard] You DID call for an appointment right?

Me: Yep.

Dr. RD: Is there anything in particular you wanted to discuss?

Me: Not really.

Dr. RD: Have you had any interesting dreams lately?

Me: Well...yes. I dreamed I was walking in a field of tall waving green wheat and there was a stream, and I saw the Little Red Hen under water. I got in the water and took her out.

Dr. RD: Very interesting.

Me: What do you think it means?

Dr. RD: Hmmm, what do YOU think it means?

Me: Doctor, I’m already juggling too many literary devices. Give it your best shot.

Dr. RD: All right, you’re convalescing, I’ll indulge you. I think it means you are feeling overwhelmed, ‘underwater’ so to speak and you felt compassion for the Hen and went to rescue her from an unnatural place. Inactivity is very unnatural for you. Also you were engaging in a pleasant walk in the fields, something you know deep down will happen again when you are fully recovered. In my opinion it was quite a subconsciously healthy response to your situation. Optimistic and positive.

Me: Maybe.

Dr. RD [Under his breath] In your dreams Leibchen, in your dreams.