Feb 25
A preoccupation with the future not only prevents us from seeing the present as it is but often prompts us to rearrange the past.
Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983), The Passionate State of Mind, 1954
Ducky observed his young assistant out the corner of his eye as he examined Petty Officer Yates' leg. Nasty bite from a wild animal; infection was probably cause of death.
Mr. Palmer had been distracted for days. At first it had been little things giving him away – handing over the wrong implement, taking a moment too long to reply to a question. But then it had become more noticeable, with him forgetting the very question he was asked or leaving the room for something and forgetting what he was supposed to be collecting.
On the surface, there was nothing that should be bothering the young man. He had no exams coming up. His grades were excellent. He was supposedly planning a poker night with Jethro's team, and as far as Ducky knew everything was going well.
"Mr. Palmer," he sighed. "You are looking at the wrong leg."
"Sorry, doctor."
Ducky stared at the young man for a moment, before putting down his scalpel. "What is bothering you?"
"It's nothing," his assistant protested.
Ducky gave him a long look, a mixture of exasperation and understanding. He watched as Mr. Palmer took a deep breath.
"You see, doctor, it's like this."