Except For Right Now
Unease turned to confusion, but also momentary relief as the oncologist waved at Paulie, repeating the bird’s name once more.
“Pigeon?”
“Excuse me?” he said, still festering on the strange interaction with his conspiracy theorist co-worker only seconds earlier. Former co-worker, apparently.
“Pali? Is your name Pali?”
“Yeah, though I don’t go by that other than on paper. I prefer Paulie.”
“Pali Galamb?” asked the short old man, clutching his wool overcoat with his small, wrinkled hands.
“Uh, yes, though I didn’t give you my last name.”
“I spoke with Seltzman. He said it was very important you should see me, that I should see you. Come, come. Quickly now.”
Curious, Paulie obliged. He cradled his paper bag and followed Dr. Fejes back into his office. His demeanor
