Mantra

“I want to be seen by a doctor,” said Sandra. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked straight ahead.

The EMT nodded and rose. She went over to the ambulance to speak to her partner.

Sandra saw Detective Jason Broesch lean down to talk to her out of the corner of her eye. She stared out the front window concentrating on the flashing lights of the rescue vehicle.

“The EMT said your vitals are normal,” said the detective. “Are you sure you need to go to the hospital?”

Sandra held herself tighter. She began to hyperventilate. She wanted to run away.

“I want a doctor. I want a doctor. I want a doctor.”