They Call Me Creature Read Online Free PDF

patients.
    I had seen the operating rooms a few times when I visited Dad. They were white and bright and sparkling clean. And the research labs were also very modern and medical looking.
    As I stepped into the waiting room, a flood of memories swept over me. I remembered so many visits here. And several really upsetting scenes….
    I remembered an adorable white-and-brown cocker spaniel puppy that had been hit by a car. And a bright red-and-blue macaw that had an ear of corn stuck in its throat. And two huge yellow dogs who started a snarling, raging fight in the waiting room, clawing each other until the carpet was puddled with blood.
    The waiting room was empty now. I glanced at the clock above the reception desk: a little after four-thirty. A young woman sat behind the desk, shuffling through folders.
    I asked to see Dr. Carpenter and told her my name. She picked up the phone, pushed a few buttons, and muttered into the receiver.
    A few seconds later Dr. Carpenter came sweeping into the room, her white lab coat flying behind her. “Laura! How nice to see you!” she cried and wrapped me in a hug. “How are you? I’ve missed you so much!”
    I hugged her back, taking in her pretty blond hair, her bright green eyes that always seemed to catch the light, and her warm smile. I missed her, too.
    I remembered sometimes when I was angry at Mom, I secretly wished that Dr. Carpenter was my mother instead.
    I glanced behind her, where a quarter, a dime, and a penny, mounted on black velvet and set in a small silver picture frame, hung on the wall. It made me smile. It reminded me of Dr. C.’s first day at the animal hospital, four years ago.
    Georgie had swallowed some change I had dropped on the kitchen floor, and he got really sick. Dr. Carpenter operated, and it was a great success! She framed the change—because it was from her very first patient.
    Dr. Carpenter laughed and twirled me around, as if I were still a little girl. “Laura, did you stop by just to say hi?”
    I hesitated. “Well … no.” My smile faded. “I really wanted to talk to you. I mean, if you have time.”
    I suddenly felt nervous. Could I really ask her to tell me the truth about Dad?
    â€œI seem to have plenty of time,” she replied. She gestured around the empty waiting room. “I’ve been spending more and more time in the research lab. Kind of frustrating. But it’s important.”
    She put a hand on my shoulder and guided me through the door, down a long hall with closed doors on both sides. Her office stood at the end of the hall. She gestured for me to take a seat in a low blue armchair in front of her desk.
    The desk was glass, clean and uncluttered except for one stack of papers and folders, and a telephone. The walls were covered with framed photos of animals, some of the pets she had cared for.
    Dr. Carpenter slid gracefully into the desk chair and swept her blond hair back over her shoulders. Then she leaned across the glass desk and smiled at me.
    â€œThis is such a surprise,” she said. “I’m so happy that you came to see me. What did you want to talk about, Laura? Is it boy trouble? Something you can’t discuss with your father?”
    I laughed. I’m not sure why. The laugh just burst out.
    â€œDo you get to talk to your mother much?” Dr. Carpenter asked. Elbows on the desk, she rested her head in her hands, studying me with those intense green eyes. “How is she doing?”
    I shrugged. “She calls once a week. And I visit her a lot,” I said. “But she’s so far away. It’s not like having a mom who’s always there for you….” My voice trailed off.
    Dr. Carpenter frowned. “I know what you mean. Well, how is Ellen? Who is she in love with this week?” Dr. Carpenter laughed.
    â€œLast week it was Steve, the tennis player. This week—I’m not sure.” I laughed, too.
    â€œSo what