The Appointment
LOGLINE: A man struggles to come to terms with a doctor’s suggestion.
Based on true events. All rights cleared.
INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY
TOM sits in a doctor’s waiting room, flicking through a magazine. On the other side of the room, a mother struggles to keep her five children under control.
DOCTOR (O.S)
Would you like to come in please, Tom?
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE - DAY
DOCTOR
Take a seat.
(Tom sits down)
Now what can I do for you?
Tom takes off his glasses.
TOM
I came in about an infection on my eyelid a few months ago…
DOCTOR
(Checking notes)
That’s right, you saw the locum.
TOM
Yes. She gave me some antiobiotics which were fine at first but I’ve started having problems again. It sometimes feels swollen, especially if I’m tired.
The doctor glances up at Tom for a moment.
DOCTOR
You’re having problems with the cyst on your eyelid?
TOM
Cyst?
DOCTOR
On your eyelid, yes.
TOM
What cyst?
DOCTOR
The one on your eyelid. Large one…
He reaches over and runs his finger gently over Tom’s eye.
DOCTOR (Cont.)
…quite hard.
TOM
So I’m not imagining it then. There is something there.
DOCTOR
Oh yes. I don’t know how you didn’t notice it. Here, have a look.
The doctor takes a small mirror out of a drawer and holds it up. Tom peers at his reflection, pulling his eyelid down with one finger. There’s a quite noticeable lump on the skin, red and slightly inflamed.
TOM
Oh. I see.
DOCTOR
It’s not a problem. Surgery will fix it.
TOM
What?
DOCTOR
Quick operation, drain the cyst, job done.
TOM
What?
DOCTOR
We’ll get you on the list for the ophthalmologist. I’d do it myself but, well, you know…
He holds out an unsteady, arthritic and shaking hand.
Tom has gone white.
TOM
Can’t you, like, give me a cream or some pills or something.
The doctor shakes his head.
DOCTOR
Surgery’s the right option. Day job, local anaesthetic, scalpel, snip-snip, home in time for tea.
TOM
What happens if I leave it?
DOCTOR
Oh, it’ll get bigger, be more prone to infection, cause possible stigmatism and eventually you’ll lose the eye.
TOM
Really?
DOCTOR
Nah, not really.
(rubs his chin)
Well, maybe. So, operation?
TOM
Meep!
Tom passes out and crumples on the floor.
FADE OUT