Negative Thing Isn’t Always Bad

 

Dear Zach,

Today I got a call from the clinic saying that my STD/HIV results were in. I wasn’t nervous about it. Not at all.

When I was driving to the gym after work, I was thinking about the probability and possibility of what the results would be.

Positive?

Negative?

Reactive?

Non-reactive?

I didn’t give much thought about it. I just pretend it doesn’t matter even though it was.

Right after gym, I drove to the clinic at usual pace. Walked into the clinic and asked for my report.

“Hi. I am here to collect my report.” I said, expecting her to know what report was. Instead, she said: “What report?”

There were two elderly parents standing beside me, turned their head to me, I held my tongue before I blurted out STD report.

“Ermm… report,” I said, “I did blood test on last Monday.”

“For full body checkup?”

“No. Ya. Erm.. No.” I stuttered. As if on cue, there was another nurse walked in and overheard what we were talking. She said: “Oh. You. I called you today, right?” She turned to the first nurse and said, “The STD report. Did you see it?”

I really wanted to drive my fist across the glasswall and punch these nurses. Can’t you be discreet about this?!

She went inside and then retrieved my report.

“Do you want to consult the doctor?” She handed over my report. I quickly scanned it.

“No. I am fine. Thanks.” I went outside of the clinic.

I read for the second time. Third time. Fourth time. To make sure I comprehend the report.

I exhaled a relief.

Sometimes good things have to come with negative.