Doctor at Large

‘What, you mean take all her clothes off her chest?’ the mother asked in horror.

‘I mean take all her clothes off her chest. Otherwise I shall not be able to make a diagnosis.’

Eva said nothing as her mother peeled away several layers of cardigans, blouses and vests.  At least her chest was exposed. I laid my stethoscope over her heart, winked at her pleasantly, and said with a smile, ‘Big breaths’.