A Changed Woman

‘Welcome!’ the receptionist says through a plastic smile.

Beth glances anxiously at the women scattered around the waiting room. No one is paying attention, but she still feels a flush of self-consciousness.

‘I have an appointment under my husband’s name,’ she whispers. ‘Harry Broderick.’

Bright and loud as ever, the receptionist says, ‘We have you here, Mrs Broderick. Please take a seat.’

In the face of the woman’s sparkling rictus grin, Beth finds a seat and doesn’t mention that she didn’t take her husband’s name.

Opposite sits a perfect, doll-like woman. She looks at Beth with what might be sympathy, but it’s hard to tell under the unmoving mask of her face.

‘First time?’ she asks. At Beth’s nod, she clucks. ‘Don’t worry. It’s easy. The doctor puts you under and then it’s done. You don’t even have to make any decisions!’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Your husband booked the appointment, right?’

‘Yes, but it’s just a consultation.’

‘There isn’t much to consult! They’ll only change you slightly this time, and he’ll have told them his preferences.’ She leans forward conspiratorially. ‘Much easier, if you ask me. If I had to choose, I’d never get anything done!’

‘Mrs Broderick?’

A figure in a white coat stands in the doorway, studying the waiting women.

‘That you?’ the woman opposite asks.

Beth Radley smiles for the first time since arriving and stands to make her way to the exit. ‘You know, it really isn’t.’