A Phone Call from the Pharmacy

Nina is a taxi driver. On her day off, she goes to the pharmacy to pick up medicine for her father. He has a cold, and he is tired. Nina has a small paper with the name of the medicine. At the counter, the pharmacist looks at the paper and types on the computer. Then she frowns. “I’m sorry,” she says. “We do not have it today. Our delivery is late.” Nina feels worried because her father needs it tonight. The pharmacist checks another list. “We can order it, but it may arrive tomorrow,” she says. Nina thinks for a moment. She remembers another pharmacy near the train station. She asks, “Can you call them and check?” The pharmacist makes a quick call. She speaks quietly and writes a note. Then she smiles. “Good news,” she says. “They have it. They can hold it for you for one hour.” Nina thanks her and hurries outside. On the street, the wind is strong, and Nina’s scarf slips. She fixes it and walks fast to the station. At the second pharmacy, a worker finds the medicine in a drawer and gives it to her. Nina pays, puts it in her bag, and finally breathes easily. At home, her father drinks tea and rests on the sofa. Nina gives him the medicine and says, “It’s here.” He smiles and says, “Thank you. You took good care of me.” Nina feels calm again.