THE SEAT OF MY PANTS ON THE SEAT OF MY CHAIR

“Posterior tibial tendinitis,” the doctor said, pointing to my sore ankle.

Momentarily, I forgot about the pain in my foot. As a writer fascinated by words, I found this clinical-sounding diagnosis had a lyrical, rhythmic quality. I even enjoyed learning that posterior is from the Latin posterus, referring to the backside of things. My tendon that supported the arch of my foot, providing stability when walking, was inflamed.

I gasped when the doctor announced, “Four to six weeks off your feet