"I've been waiting here twenty minutes," she said. "Do you have any idea when my doctor will be ready?" "I'm afraid she's running behind schedule today," said the receptionist. "We'll call you when she's free."

So she waited.

"Hey, it's been over an hour. Any chance of a time estimate?"

"We're very busy today, and some of us are covering for sick staff. All I can tell you is that we'll call for you as soon as the doctor is free."

"Great," she said. "Thanks."

And she waited.

"So, I've been here since ten and now I've missed my entire work day."

"I'm very sorry, but we'll call you..."

"...as soon as the doctor is free," she said with the receptionist. "Right. Thanks." She sat down.

"Kim?" A nurse asked the full waiting room for her.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm afraid I'm behind schedule. I'll come in as soon as I have a free moment." She went back to her book.

"Okay," said the nurse. "Deshawn?" A guy got up and followed the nurse in.

"Wait," said Kim, "I'm ready. I'm ready now."

"I'm sorry," said the receptionist. "We'll call for you as soon as the doctor is free."