prescription

Using the thumbnail, break the tablet into two parts, they are not equal. But it does not matter, it is just a drug to lower blood pressure, the blood pressure that has been slightly high for a long time. They started with 16 milligrams, then they reduced it to eight after several fainting attacks, and then after a few more it was reduced to half an eight, which is four. Three on one day and five on the next probably does not matter. It is still a long way away from a homeopathic dosage, but who cares.
Take the crumb of tablet, swallow.
The other tablets are finished, they have been finished since Friday.
Stay at home, wait. The doctor opens his practice at seven forty five. It will be possible to get a prescription then.

Wait, then to the kitchen, a cup of coffee to pass the time, the son is up and about, checking his papers and filling his schoolbag. The cat is clamouring for attention, she feels hungry, her winter fat needs feeding. In the refrigerato there are two nearly-empty cans of cat food, take them both out and scrape the remains onto the cat's plate, she feeds with some relish. Rinse the two empty tins under the tap, then throw them into the yellow bag reserved for packaging waste. Then, to the coffee, fill the silver sieve and press the button, watch the brown brew flow into the white cup.

With a shouted goodbye the son runs down to the stairs, he is aiming to be ten minutes early in school.

Sip the coffee, read about the Americans unhealthy democracy and the crown virus health problems in China.
Both are news, both are a threat, it is up to the individual to decide which is the greater, it is like comparing a coconut with an orange.

It is time to go, put on the old green jacket and wander down the Neustadt, the new town market street, the wide street with the horrible monument in it's centre, in honour of those that gave their lives in the last century. And at the doctors, stammer the request for a prescription, a simple request suddenly difficult. The young woman at the reception looks at the medical card, raises her eyebrows, presses a button, and the prescription is there.

She says goodbye.