Having A Moment
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
In her own words, she was just "Having a moment"; an insignificant yet highly embarassing lapse of concentration, one of those Rabbit in the Headlight moments;
Deep in sonorous conversation with her peers, Alacoque was unwittingly just a minute or two late for the morning's meeting. She wandered into the auditorium and, finding it to be quite dark inside, unhesitatingly flicked the lights on;
The radiologist presenting the case halted, mid-sentence, as the image behind him disappeared.
Fifteen consultants and their respective teams turn and stare at Alacoque. Some are squinting, but most can clearly see her outline at the back of the theatre.
She stands alone. Guiltily, her hand lingers by the switch, her notepad over her open mouth, agog with surprise, eyes filled with terror.
An eternity passes. Someone clears their throat.
She blanches, exclaims "Sh1t! Sorry!" several decibles louder than her previous chat, and hastily exits.
Without turning off the lights.
An awkward pause ensues as the consultants and junior medics giggle amongst themselves. After a few seconds, the radiologist runs to the switch at the top of the auditorium, turns the lights off and resumes his presentation
Alacoque, having regained some colour in her cheeks, was, of course, gently ribbed by her team for the duration of the morning rounds; She is recovering, gracefully.
Deep in sonorous conversation with her peers, Alacoque was unwittingly just a minute or two late for the morning's meeting. She wandered into the auditorium and, finding it to be quite dark inside, unhesitatingly flicked the lights on;The radiologist presenting the case halted, mid-sentence, as the image behind him disappeared.
Fifteen consultants and their respective teams turn and stare at Alacoque. Some are squinting, but most can clearly see her outline at the back of the theatre.
She stands alone. Guiltily, her hand lingers by the switch, her notepad over her open mouth, agog with surprise, eyes filled with terror.
An eternity passes. Someone clears their throat.
She blanches, exclaims "Sh1t! Sorry!" several decibles louder than her previous chat, and hastily exits.
Without turning off the lights.
An awkward pause ensues as the consultants and junior medics giggle amongst themselves. After a few seconds, the radiologist runs to the switch at the top of the auditorium, turns the lights off and resumes his presentation
Alacoque, having regained some colour in her cheeks, was, of course, gently ribbed by her team for the duration of the morning rounds; She is recovering, gracefully.
