“I just hope… that Zoie…will…will pull through,” the first person burst into tears and was sobbing quite noisily.

“Please, do not worry, Mrs. Profit.  Your daughter’s vital signs are steadily improving.”  This third voice was reassuring and probably a doctor’s.

“Yes, I suppose so… thank you ever so much Doctor Zeilke… you mean the world to me for taking so much time out of your busy schedule…”

“Not to worry; you know I help my patients with the best of care,” he said with a light laugh.

“Ah, well, I think it’s best if I get some fresh air… and it’s such a nice day… Zoie and I used to take walks all the time in the park when she was young… used to love to chase butterflies…”  Mrs. Profit gave out a loud wail.

“Really,” the second voice spoke, “my wife…try not being hysterical for once.  She is not dead yet.  We will be long gone by the time she is in her adulthood.”

“Arthur, and I thought you might be at least the slightest bit sympathetic for Zoie”—

“I served in Vietnam!  Don’t forget – I’ve seen plenty of shot-up people!  Was anybody sympathetic for me when I returned?  I don’t think so!  Whenever I think about the culprit it makes me want to rip off his little tes”—

“Arthur!  She’s a girl; she can hear us”—

“She’s a teenager, for Pete’s sake, Molly; she’s heard worse.  And what were you thinking, letting her wander about at midnight”—

“Enough!”  the doctor’s face had turned to a shady tomato color.  “Perhaps a walk—all three of us—would calm us all down?”

There was a pause in which both parents looked furiously at each other.

“Very well, doctor.  I suppose you know best.  Lead on.”

“In the minute.  First—Miss Zane! Would you ever so please tend to Zoie in my absence? I have the most endearing little habit about knowing what exactly is going on in my clinic all the time.”

“Yes sir, absolutely, sir,” replied Zane, walking into the room.

“Presently, I suppose we should be off in a jiffy to avoid those nuisances that call themselves reporters.  Let’s take the stairs, not the elevator if you don’t mind.”

“Fair enough doctor; let’s leave Zoie to stir in peace.  After you, Molly.”

Molly glared angrily at Arthur for a moment, then proceeded to follow Dr. Zeilke, who was exiting the room.