Yesterday Page #3

Who knows how long you will be?

I understand. Thank you, again.

Yesterday, is it?

Yes, madam.

I've had a Tomorrow and a Today even.

But never a Yesterday.

Who named you that?

My father, madam.

He said that things were better yesterday

than they are today.

But that was a long time ago.

You don't have to call me madam.

I am a doctor.

Yes, madam.

How long have you had this cough?

Since before Christmas, madam.

Before Christmas?

Why have you left it so long?

I thought it would go away.

And when it didn't, it was hard to see you.

I know. I am sorry.

We need more than one doctor at this clinic.

But there is not enough money.

Take a deep breath.

Like this.

Good.

Is there something wrong with me, madam?

I would like to do a blood test.

A blood test?

I need to draw some blood...

and send it for testing.

I don't understand.

Just to check that everything is fine.

But first, you have to sign your consent.

I need your consent.

Just read it through and sign it.

Here. Put your name here.

What's the matter?

I cannot read or write, madam.

It doesn't matter.

Do you want the test?

Will it hurt?

Don't worry.

Just a tiny little prick and it'll be all over.

Just relax. Look the other way.

Hello.

How are you?

Fine. Fine.

- How are you, my child?

- I'm fine.

Does Teacher know where you are?

She was busy with lots of papers.

You must go and tell her I am here. Hurry.

What are you doing?

- What are you doing?

- Nothing, my child.

Here, go and throw this away for me.

Did you hurt yourself?

Run along.

- What's this for?

- The taxi.

Don't be silly. It was my pleasure.

But you don't have to pay for me.

I told you, it's my pleasure.

I'll make it up to you.

You already have.

- I have?

- By being my friend.

- It is not easy to make friends in this village.

- That is true.

When I married my husband...

it took at least a year

before they accepted me.

For some reason they are very suspicious

of outsiders in this village.

- Where is your husband?

- He works in Johannesburg.

How often do you see him?

Sometimes once a month.

Sometimes not for many months.

- It is hard.

- Yes. It is hard.

So, what did the doctor say?

She took my blood.

- She? It was a woman doctor?

- Yes. A white woman doctor.

She speaks like a proper Zulu, too.

- A proper Zulu?

- Like you and me.

What did she take blood for?

I do not know.

I have to go back next Tuesday.

Tell me when,

and I shall look after Beauty again.

- Thank you.

- Not at all.

She is a bright child, that one.

She should start school soon.

Next year.

I look forward to teaching her.

I do not understand.

Do you use a condom?

- What?

- Condoms, do you use them?

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