//------------------------------//
// Rainbow Dash 
// Story: Doctor Stable's Read it and Weep 
// by Dannydjp97 
//------------------------------//

*RING* *RING*  I got less sleep today than yesterday.  Maybe I could call in sick.  That would be ironic wouldn't it?  A sick Doctor.  No, I have an appointment with Fracture today.  I have to make sure he's healing correctly.  
A mechanic obedience of my daily routine later, I am trotting to the Ponyville Hospital for yet another day of fixing and checking.
"Good morning Ms. Sweetheart!"
"Good morning, Doctor."  she hardly looks away from her schedule.  I stand in the same spot for perhaps a bit longer than one should.  She's been acting less enthusiastic than usual.  I haven't seen her like this since Ace's tennis playing hoof healed.
I decide an apology is in order.  "Ms. Sweetheart," I begin, taking a step forward, "I'm sorry I've been treating you poorly recently.  I've been a bit down these past few weeks, but that is no reason for me to take it out on you.  I was planning on taking a day off tomorrow so that I can rest from the stress that sometimes becomes a bit too much for meto handle.  And I promise I will never treat you as unkindly as I have these past few weeks.”  With that, she looks up from her papers, smiled, and I know she’s returned to her normal exuberant self.  “Is that a new patient?”
She nods her head.  “Another pegasus with a flying accident.  I put her in the same room as Fracture.”
I smile, "How ironic!  May I see her file?"  She hands me a large bundle of papers, and on the header reads: Rainbow Dash.  I read on and find that she’s been hospitalized for various injuries in the past.  "looks like this isn’t her first time here.  What has she done this time?"  I flip her profile to the back of the papers revealing x-rays of an injured wing.  I begin to trot toward the room.
“I took the liberty of dressing her wound for you.”
I stop and turn to her.  “Thank you.”  Is all I say.  For years she’s been my number one helper with all of the small tasks that just need doing in order to have a smooth day, and we've been great friends.  And I’ve been taking such advantage of her recently.  I've been taking advantage of everyone recently.  But I can't just say all that.
“Oh my, I have a cart of books to sort!” says Nurse Sweetheart, and she is off busying herself with her side job of being the self appointed vice secretary.
When I enter the hospital room, it is full of young, unicorns, ponies, and pegasi gathered around Rainbow’s bed, a very different site compared to Fracture’s check-in.  Speaking of which, “Are you doing well, Fracture?” I ask as I pass his section.  One blink.  Great.  Could I get away with counting that as my appointment?  Probably not.  “Good morning mares, I’m Doctor Stable, and I'll just be checking on Rainbow dash here.”  I announce as I lift her x-rays into the air to get better lighting.
“Is she gonna be okay?” says the apple pony.
“Oh, I'm so worried” says the yellow pony with the butterfly cutie mark.
“Is her face gonna stay that way?” exclaims the pink pony as Rainbow Dash stirs, and opens her eyes, which leads to a loud groan.  She must hate hospitals.
The purple unicorn with the star like cutie mark decides that once asked isn't enough, “How is she, doctor?”
“She’s going to be fine.  Luckily, she has friends like you, who got her over here in a jiffy!” I answer, as kindly as possible.
“How long do I need to lie here? I've got things I need to do!”  Asks Rainbow, a very antsy Pegasus from what I'm gathering.
“Well, that all depends on your recovery, but I'd say a few days minimum.”
“You guys have gotta get me out of here, I’m gonna climb the walls!” she must really hate hospitals.
“Oooo! Just like a spider! Did the crash somehow give her super dooper spider powers?”  the pink pony blurts.
Does this one have a screw loose, or something?  “No.  Nor did it give her amazing healing powers, she needs to stay in bed for a few days.” I answer patiently.
“Few days? It might as well be a few months, of a few years!” I keep my eyes from rolling.  Then again, I hated hospital stays as a filly.
“It’s not so bad, Rainbow Dash.” Comforts the quiet pegasus.
I decide that they can have their visiting time alone now.  But as I leave, the purple unicorn stops me.  “Thank you, Doctor.”  I smile.  Nice to know they’re a mannered group of friends. “You’re quite welcome…”
“Twilight Sparkle”
“You’re quite welcome, Twilight Sparkle.  You know, when I was in the hospital, I would read to pass the time.  I loved reading.”  That last part seemed more for myself than for her.
“That’s funny, me too.  I live in the library, maybe you could check out a book or two sometime.”
I chuckle.  I wish I could.  “I’d love to, if I ever have enough time.  Good day!”  Before I close the door behind me, I hear that pink pony say “and look, you have a roommate!” the curtain between Rainbow and Fracture is pulled, and the poor Pegasus rolls his eyes at them, probably considering them a nuisance to his peace, or something.  The door closes, and the rest my day is filled with catching up on my daily checkups, and more operations.  I decide to stay a little extra late since I was planning on taking a day off tomorrow, and actually finish my checkup list.  The appointment with Fracture was almost as fast as what I hoped to pass off as his appointment, and just as useless, apart from me redressing his bandages.