Filament: Accepting the Gift

By Alan Paris O.D.

A quiet doctor works the back streets serving the poor residents of a disinterested city. A strange package arrives and life-changing events occur. Locals claim miracles while the press spreads wild rumors. The Vatican sends a high Bishop to investigate. Confusion and crisis arise as the public demands explanation. Suddenly, a striking, talented attorney with eyes for the doctor rescues the moment. Only she knows the secret of influence from beyond. Amid the chaos, a passionate relationship grows. A violent attack and a day in court send resolve for a new beginning. Follow this adventure through an amazing story in this Part I of The Filament Trilogy. Good guys do exist. But can they survive and succeed?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781491797303

Alan Paris O.D.

Dr. Alan Paris is an optometrist who has published in journals, written music, a children’s story and adult fiction.The doctor holds a B.S. in Chemistry, a B.S. in Integrated Bioscience and a Doctorate of Optometry in the vision sciences. His latest work is an entertaining adventure that stimulates the imagination with questions about life, love and our deepest beliefs.

Book preview

Chapter One

H e was obviously blind. The white tipped cane and dark sunglasses were clear signatures of his disability. Yet this unseeing fellow appeared quite skilled at navigating the quirky trail ahead. Negotiating the way over odd cobblestone streets and around narrow alleyways, he passed some of the more obscure small businesses the city had to offer. Still rather dark, it did not matter that the early morning light had filtered through the old town maze. He found his way to the rear of an aged red-bricked building. Next to the barely secured rickety iron staircase, he felt for a worn wooden door, determined the location of the lock, and inserted his key. No turn was needed, for it was already open. He entered and heard a familiar voice.

Good Morning, Dr. Allen. Greeted by a familiar voice, he removed his dark glasses. Did we enjoy our trip this morning? Everybody knows you can see. You're not really fooling anyone.

The youngish doctor entered and turned toward the more than middle-aged woman sitting at the desk just beyond the entrance foyer.

I know that. I'm trying to understand how the visually disabled move about the city. It's not easy for them, you know.

You're lucky you didn't get hit by a car or delivery truck. I'm afraid one of these days something's going to happen to you.

Oh, nothing ever happens to me. My life is not what you call, eventful. Any excitement is working here with you, helping our patients. That's about it.

The judgmental woman pushed her lips to the side, A lot they care. Half don't even thank you and the other half don't pay you; at least on time, anyway. You've got about forty-five minutes before your first. Maybe you can straighten-up that mess in your exam room. I don't know what to put where. You get upset with me when I touch your stuff.

Mary, I don't know what I'd do without you. With my mother gone, who else would nag me? Oh, if only you could make her wonderful chicken soup. Then, I might even propose.

Doctor, you should find a nice girl and get married. You deserve some love and happiness in your life; and children too. You're such a good man to be alone.

I'm happy to be here with you my dear and I love my work. You know I'm a shy guy.

There's that pretty florist's daughter down the street.

Enough! She's still in braces! Dr. Allen sidled toward his desk. I've got files to review.

One more thing, Doctor, I found a package by the door this morning. It's full of those odd expensive bulbs you use in your equipment. I don't remember ordering them. You know, we can't afford more expenses right now.

I don't recall ordering anything. I let you handle that.

You don't remember many things. She grinned. You're quite the absent-minded professor. It's strange that there was no invoice, itemization, or bill enclosed. There are also regular bulbs for all the lights and lamps. I don't recognize the brand on the packaging either. Seems odd to me.

Everything seems odd to you. They're probably free samples with some new and improved, more efficient filament. I read about innovative products like that in my journals. I'll bet a sales representative will show up soon to explain.

Well, he'll have to explain his way past me first. You're too easy. You would buy something just to please him. And, you can't afford to buy anything now. You can't even afford me.

You're such a cheap date. You do it for love. He watched her blush. Otherwise, you'd be bored. Besides, I need you here.

The first patient had arrived. Mary led an elderly man to a comfortable old chair. She handed him some forms to fill out.

Paperwork! he moaned, I've been coming here forever. You know me! Maybe you are getting on in years and losing the old memory.

It only seems like forever, Mr. Pensika. Actually, new laws require it. And, the doctor needs to update records periodically. Dr. Allen will be with you in a moment.

I'm installing some of these new bulbs, Mary. The doctor spoke through the doorway. They are quite comfortably bright. Catching sight of his patient, he called out, Good morning, Mr. Pensika. How are you, today?

Dr. Allen heard him call out that he was fine. He had come for his checkup. He glared at the receptionist commenting about how nice the doctor was following his case closely with recommended six-month evaluations.

She sneered back reminding the old man that his bill remained unpaid for almost a year.

Dr. Allen noticed the old man grimace as his eyes shifted to the floor. Social Security barely allowed him to exist these days. Health insurance had all kinds of co-pays and deductibles that he didn't really understand.

Come with me, Mr. Pensika. The doctor came to his rescue. I seem to remember you leaving us a check on your last visit. Didn't he Mary?

Mary agreed as she opened her bottom drawer to quickly view a returned tender marked, insufficient funds.

Mr. Pensika entered the dated, shabby examination room and sat down in the doctor's worn leather chair. It had large movable arms and an adjustable head support. There was a swing-up metal footrest too. It was old, yet reassuring.

Well, Mr. Pensika, how are you today? Are there any vision changes to report? Any discomfort?

Things are getting bad, Doc. And there's always discomfort. I see worse and worse every day. And I'm always in pain. Getting old stinks."

Are your eyes in pain?

No, no! Life is a pain. My back, my legs, my head, my shoulders. You name it, doc. It hurts."

What about your vision?

The old man looked around, then, pointed toward the clock on the wall. I can't tell you what it says! He slumped disheartedly in the chair. I'm going blind.

You haven't lost all your sight. We've discussed your cataract problem before. You need an operation. It will clear up most of your vision problems.

I ain't going into no hospital. You go in there and you don't come out.

Let me check you again to confirm my suspicions. He moved his big black paddle in front of one eye. Read the lowest line that you can make out, even guess, on the chart across the room.

Dr. Allen could see him squinting, But, it ain't going to do no good. E. H...D or B... That's it. I told you, I can't see. I need a cane, a cup, and some dark glasses---maybe some pencils in the cup. Put me on the street corner and pick me up at dinnertime. Do people even use pencils anymore? I hear they just use their fingers to write things on little gadgets or something. Also I need a dog. Yeah, the ladies like the dog thing. It gets you sympathy and spare change. Get me a German Shepard or a 'Dobie.' That'll keep the pesky street kids away. And don't tell the cops on me. They'll call the tax guys when they see I'm making big money on the street. In the old days, when I had a fruit stand, you could give them a couple of bucks or an apple and they'd look the other way. I hear now they want a piece of the action. You know what I mean.

Yes, I do, Mr. Pensika, the doctor laughed. Aren't you getting a bit carried away?

"Yeah, they'll probably just carry me away. You'll make sure the dog gets a good home, won't you?'

Dr. Allen retrieved his ophthalmoscope used to examine inside the eyes. This new bulb provided enhanced illumination facilitating his view.

"We'll see if a new pair of eyeglasses will help a bit.

Then I'm going to put some dilating drops in your eyes to make them big enough to view inside."

He waited for the drops to take effect. Then backed off as the old man protested, I told you, I'm hopeless. Now get that damn light out of my eyes. It's even brighter than the last time you checked me.

Does it hurt when I use it?

No, this time it didn't. But it sure lit everything up. I think I feel better now.

Aha, you saw the light. Hallelujah! So you're not blind. Blind people don't see any light. The doctor announced looking up to the ceiling, 'Praise the Lord.' This man can see!

Very funny Doc, said Mr. Pensika now grinning, himself. That's what I need, a miracle. Maybe I should start going to church again.

It wouldn't hurt. I hear they have organized activities for seniors like you. Seriously, you should consider the implant procedure. The surgeon just replaces the cloudy lens. It is quite a successful procedure.

Mr. Pensika asked Dr. Allen to operate, always stating that he didn't trust those big time docs in the hospital. He felt they got all the money, but didn't really care about you. Only his optometrist showed compassion.

You know I can't do that. So let's get on with the exam.

Continuing his familiar routine, the educative optometrist explained, I will have you look through several lenses, right eye first. You tell me which looks better, number one or number two.

Oh, I hate this part; one or two, one or two. They all look the same and I can't decide. Which do you like, Doc? Mr. Pensika sighed sounding significantly fatigued and after a few passes admitted I guess they're about the same now.

Realizing that his patient was tiring, the doctor moved quickly through the same procedure with the left eye.

Now, Doc! These tricks are useless. I remember seeing great when we celebrated the end of the war. You know, the big one. I fought in France. I sure had better eyes then. The army rated me 'sharpshooter.' I couldn't hit the side of a barn now. You say you can fix this?

As I explained before, you need to have those old lenses replaced with ocular implants. These days, it's like changing a light bulb. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes and you're out and about.

Yeah, with me, it'll probably be some dim bulbs. I'd rather try the new eyeglasses first. Can we put lenses in my old frame?

We can try. I can't promise that they'll do much better. Come back in a week. See Mary on the way out to confirm the measurements. We'll check your eye pressures and look inside. Then you'll be done for today.

The old man thanked Dr. Allen expressing his appreciation for the interest he always received. He wandered out feeling quite elated for the effort.

The day continued with a few patients to see before lunch. The afternoon was sparse; entailing a meeting with a sales representative and two more patients. A young girl came to get fit for her first pair of contact lenses. Though she was barely eleven she needed them for her gymnast competitions which began soon.

Mary laughed with apprehension at working with the nine- year-old Debbie. A finicky little girl, she anticipated lots of fun teaching her to handle contacts.

Dr. Allen's face lit up, You love helping these kids. The younger they are, the more you enjoy it. You get to educate them about the best, safest methods and train them on proper handling. You do like taking charge.

His assistant agreed. Though she still complained about overbearing parents butting in during these sessions. Mary often said how cute youngsters were as they fumbled first and then achieved success under her tutelage.

You're so good at it too!

With her years of experience, Mary was his right arm. She watched over him and the practice like a mother hen. Having no family of her own, she was dedicated to helping the doctor. It would be difficult to replace her.

The last patient of the day was new to them. Fresh faces were welcome. Growing a contemporary practice was difficult. The cheaper, flashier more modern offices in the malls attracted the crowds. Fewer patients searched for an out of the way small office. Most came here because of the doctor's reputation as a good practitioner with a kind heart. He also had lower fees and allowed payment schedules. In this part of town, many could barely afford the basics. While being pocketbook friendly, he felt comfortable here making only a humble living. He could not afford to advertise. Only his official shingle hung above the entrance, Optometrist, Eyes Examined, Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses, Dr. Marshall Allen.

Suddenly, a young woman entered the office. They didn't hear any scraping as the old door opened, or the usual city sounds wafting through the aged streets that typically announced a visitor. They were a bit surprised.

Good afternoon. I'm here for my eye examination. I believe it was for 3:45. I'm Veronika, Veronika Futura.

Mary responded with enthusiasm. Welcome to our office. I hope you don't mind filling out some required paperwork. Have a seat. Feel free to ask any questions.

Mary handed her a clipboard with a few forms and a pen. There was something interesting about this patient she couldn't quite place. Veronika appeared youthful, in her late twenties or early thirties and dressed quite well, but not extravagantly. She was slim, had a nice face, and a pleasant smile. With excellent posture, she seemed tall although she was not. She was attractive, but in a soft way. Mary always enjoyed sizing up a new patient. Then she'd let her imagination run wild with fantasies about their