Chapter 2
Claire walked into the lab where Shaun was examining Jasmine's x-rays.
"Good morning Shaun," Claire said.
"Good morning Claire," Shaun said.
"So I heard you came to work early," Claire said. "Dr. Melendez told me to assist you."
"Okay," Shaun said.
"So this patient has kidney stones?" Claire asked.
"Yes," Shaun replied.
Claire looked at the x-rays.
"Wow," Claire said. "Those are big kidney stones."
Claire saw tears running down Shaun's face.
"Shaun?" Claire asked.
"Yes Claire?" Shaun asked.
"Is something wrong?" Claire asked.
"Kidney stones that big don't usually pass," Shaun said.
"No," Claire said. "I mean what's wrong with you?"
"I have autism," Shaun replied. "You already knew that."
"I meant, why are you crying?" Claire said.
"I'm not," Shaun lied.
"Yes you are," Claire said.
"Claire," Shaun said. "I am trying to examine these x-rays! Will you shut up?!"
"Shaun," Claire said. "Whatever is wrong, don't take it out on me. That's just not fair."
"You're right," Shaun said patting his head. "I'm sorry. I am just very worried about the patient."
"Okay," Claire said. "I will be right back. I have to use the restroom."
"Okay," Shaun said.
Claire walked out and Shaun got his phone out of his pocket. He then looked at a picture of him and Steve that he took of the picture on his counter. Shaun held his phone to his heart and cried for a minute. After that, he put his phone up and washed his hands and his face.
Meanwhile, Claire stood in the hallway outside of the lab talking to Dr. Melendez.
"I'm concerned about Shaun," Claire said. "He is acting very strange today. I saw tears rolling down his face and when I asked him about it, he yelled at me to shut up. That's so unlike Shaun. It reminded me of when he lashed out at those teenagers at the mall."
"I agree that Shaun has been acting weird," Dr. Melendez said.
"You are talking about me behind my back."
Claire and Dr. Melendez turned around to see Shaun.
"We're just concerned," Dr. Melendez said. "You showed up early to work Shaun."
"I doubt I'm the only doctor who's ever shown up early," Shaun said.
"And not to mention you yelled at me," Claire said.
"I apologize for that," Shaun said. "I was just trying to concentrate and I got frustrated."
"Claire says you were crying," Dr. Melendez said.
"Even people with autism cry," Shaun said. "It's nothing to worry about. I will put aside my personal feelings and do my job."
"It is something to worry about Shaun," Dr. Melendez said. "Especially when it could affect your patient because you are not 100 percent focused. Now if you need to cry, I would suggest dealing with it and come back to me when you can focus. Shaun, you are no longer in charge of the patient, Claire is."
Shaun looked at Claire.
"You had to tattle on me," Shaun said in a mad tone. "You couldn't keep your mouth shut."
"Shaun," Dr. Melendez said. "That's enough."
"No it's not," Shaun said. "Dr. Glassman can't always be here for me, so I am fighting my own battles. Jasmine is my patient."
Dr. Melendez looked at Shaun.
"Okay," Dr. Melendez said. "You have one more chance. You can continue to be in charge of Jasmine, but no more outbursts. If you have one more outburst, you will be sent home for the day. Got it?"
"Got it," Shaun said. "I'm sorry Claire."
"It's okay," Claire said.
