The Splendor of Ordinary Days Read Online Free Page A

explain Luther’s constant glancing from the side and perhaps even the ­higher-­than-­normal acidity in his remarks.
    I did a thorough eye exam, including a test called the Amsler Grid. My suspicions proved correct. Luther had early onset of the disease. I prescribed some medications and recommended a strict follow-up schedule. In spite of Luther’s noncompliance on all of my other medical recommendations, I gathered he would be diligent with this plan of care. Luther wasn’t dumb or lazy. He was just mean.
    And so it was I witnessed the first chink in the armor of Luther Whitmore’s seemingly infallible genetics. Age and disease were a great leveler of the arrogant, and perhaps in the months ahead, I would be seeing a humbler, kinder version of Luther.
    Then again, I doubted it.
    In either case, actually liking him would remain a monumental task.
    As he departed, I was thinking how pleasant it would be if Luther was abducted by aliens. Who ­knew—­maybe he already had been. That would explain a lot.
    It was nearing five, and I was expecting Christine, my beloved and beautiful girlfriend, to arrive at any minute. She had called earlier to tell me she had some exciting news and would drop by after work.
    I returned to my office to gather my things, including a medical journal with an article I wanted to read. It was somewhere in the stack of magazines I’d tossed on the floor behind my desk. I was bent down on one knee looking for it when there was a simultaneous knock and opening of my office door, the typical entry of Nancy Orman.
    â€œYou have a visitor, Doctor.”
    I continued thumbing through the journals, thinking it odd that she would announce Christine. “Sure, send her in. I’m expecting her.”
    I was engrossed in looking for that blasted article, still on my knees behind my desk, when I heard the door open again. I spoke without looking up. “Hey, beautiful. Want to go grab some dinner?”
    Christine didn’t immediately respond, and there was nothing but stale silence in the room. So, I turned and peered over my desk.
    Gazing down at me with a rather confused expression was Karen, the woman I had met at the ballpark the previous day. “Well, thanks for the offer, but I’ve already got a date with the Laundromat.”

CHAPTER 3
    A New Doctor
    I stood immediately, hastily endeavoring to recover some portion of my dignity. “Oh, hi. Well, this is awkward. Sorry. I was expecting someone else.”
    She offered a cautious smile. “Yeah, I think I had that one figured out. Hope I’m not interrupting anything important?”
    â€œNo, not at all. I was just finishing for the day. I, um . . . I don’t think I caught your full name yesterday.”
    â€œIt’s Davidson. Karen Davidson.” She extended her hand in a crisp, exacting manner, and we shook firmly. She was attired in weathered but ­well-­creased khaki pants and a rather frilly white blouse. The two items didn’t quite go together . . . as if she had started to play dress up and had then given up on the idea.
    â€œI came by to introduce myself. Actually, it’s
Dr.
Karen Davidson. I’m a veterinarian. I’ve bought out what was left of Dr. Ingram’s practice. I’m going to be here ­full-­time.”
    â€œWell, congratulations and welcome to Watervalley.” Charlie Ingram was Watervalley’s only veterinarian, but he lived in the neighboring county and held hours in a satellite office here only one day a week.
    Karen nodded, her lips still pressed in a slightly nervous smile. “Thanks.”
    â€œThat was an incredible thing you did at the ballpark. I don’t believe I got a chance to thank you.”
    â€œOh, I just did, you know, what I thought I had to do.”
    â€œI know Sarah McAnders wanted to get your name. She called some friends at the park during the ambulance ride, but no one could find