D is for Doctor Blau

His name was Doctor Blau, but Fiona called him Dr Bowtie. Dr Blau seemed to own a multitude of bowties because in the three years he’d been her GP she’d never known him to wear the same one twice. He had all kinds; spotty, stripy, checkered, bright, dark, silk and cotton. They were like little birds, perched neatly under his wobbly chin.

Doctor Blau’s birth country lingered in his speech, with what can I help you with sometimes coming out as vot can I help you vith. He wore thick glasses and was fond of peppermint tea. His big Qantas mug had a permanent station on his desk next to the framed photo of his wife.

Fiona began seeing him when her usual GP left to have a baby and Dr Blau was the only doctor available. She soon found out that he was frequently available. Dr Blau had a lot of medical knowledge and a kind manner; he was very efficient when she’d needed prescriptions or get the flu jab. She wondered why he wasn’t booked out.

At one point Fiona was struggling with a breakup and job-related stress. She wanted to talk to Dr Blau about her options and was relieved to get in to see him the next day.

As usual, she hardly had to wait before Dr Blau called her in. ‘Good morning, Fiona. How have you been?’ he said, pushing his glasses back up his nose. His pink and grey-striped bowtie jiggled under his chin.

Fiona took a deep breath and began talking. Soon she was crying. Dr Blau handed her a box of tissues.

‘I just can’t-can’t believe all this is happening all at once-‘ said Fiona with a hiccup.

‘It sounds like a to deal vith. Sometimes you just need to let it out.’

Fiona nodded, wiped her eyes and kept talking. It had been a very stressful time and she’d been trying not to think about things. Now it was all gushing out like a river breaking its banks.

Dr Blau, meanwhile, was nodding and leaning back in his chair. The longer that Fiona talked, the less he nodded and the more he leaned back.

Five minutes later Fiona gulped and stared at Dr Blau. His eyes were closed. His mouth had drooped and his bowtie was lopsided. He had fallen asleep.

After that Fiona only went to see him when she got a bug, which suited them both.