Cliff, answering phone: “Hello.”
“Hello Cliff, this is Julie at Dr. Peabody’s office.”
“Oh, hi.”
“Cliff, as you know, you had your physical last week.”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I was going to call you.”
“You were?”
“Yes, I really don’t think we should.”
“Sorry?”
“I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”
“But…”
“Look, this is about going over it, right?”
“Yes, but I don’t think I un…”
“My wife told me all about it this morning. She was watching the Tomorrow Show. She always watches that, first thing in the morning.”
“Sure, I watch it too, but I still don’t…”
“She said the world economy could go into a tailspin. I don’t think I get all the ins and outs of this thing, but she was very upset. She said our taxes would go up.”
“Is this about your insurance? I believe it’s covered. Let me just look up…”
“Look, I’m just afraid I won’t be coming in. I can’t be responsible.”
“But that’s just it, Cliff. Taking your physical was the right thing to do. You have to look out for yourself.”
“I am! I don’t want to lose my job. I just qualified for four weeks vacation. We were going to Hawaii!”
“Well, there’s no reason you can’t, assuming everything is hunky dory.”
“I must say you’re taking this very lightly. You have a job to protect too!”
“Cliff, you’ve lost me.”
“Somehow, and again I don’t pretend to comprehend all the details, but according to my wife, if we go over it, all our taxes will go up, businesses will be forced to close, and the economy will go kaput!”
“All if you and the doctor go over your physical, Cliff?”
“Yes.”
“Cliff, I think we can put that off for a bit.”
“Boy, that’s a relief.”
“But Cliff, would you mind stopping by the pharmacy in about a half hour?”
“I guess not, why?”
“I’m going to talk to the doctor and see if we can get you a little something to… Well, you seem a little tense.”
“Okay, but I must say, I’m feeling better already.”
“That’s good, Cliff. Say hello to your wife for me.”
“Oh, you know I will!”
“Okay, bye.”
“Bye.”