The Doctor and the Dawg

[Mad Dawg Davis]

We find Mad Dawg sitting on the balcony of his rented apartment in New York around the time of sunset. Mad Dawg has low sounding R&B playing from his portable speakers as he is sitting scrolling through his phone looking over plans Bash has sent over. As he is starting to finish up a name pops up on the phone. Dr. Williams, one of the doctors from the rehabilitation center. He hesitates but still answers.

 

Mad Dawg: Hello?

 

Dr. Williams: Good evening, I’m Dr. Williams from…

 

Mad Dawg cuts him off with excitement hoping that bringing joy to the conversation might end it faster

 

Mad Dawg: YOOO! Doc! I figured that was you. Got a new phone and guess it didn't save your number. You sound different on the phone. How you been my guy?

 

Dr. Williams : I've been good Mr. Davis. The question is, how are you holding up? I know you're back working full time in the OCW and just wanted to see how everything is?

 

There is a slight pause in the conversation now. Part of Mad Dawg wants to tell the truth about everything but pride and ego are still Mad Dawg’s strength and weakness. 

 

Mad Dawg: Everything is straight over here, I’m happy to be back. Feels good.

 

Dr. Williams: That's good to hear. You made so much improvement so fast during your time here at the rehabilitation center. I wouldn't want you to lose any of the progress you've made. I know your chosen career can come with a lot of stress both physically and mentally. 

 

Mad Dawg: Yea, I appreciate the call Doc. Like I told you and my family before I left. I’m not putting myself in that kind of situation anymore. I’m lucky I walked away from that car wreck whole. 

 

Dr. Williams: Well that’s great to hear, but it's not just the car wreck we were worried about, remember? It was the events that lead up to the car wreck. Your blood alcohol level was so high I was shocked you didn't have life long issues or even die from that alone…I

 

Mad Dawg: I get it…

 

A rough conversation for both Mad Dawg and the doctor seems to get rougher, bringing up how lucky Mad Dawg really is.

 

Mad Dawg:...I understand Doc, and I appreciate your call. Look I’m kind of busy right now but I can call you back sometime later tomorrow.

 

Dr. Williams: I understand. Look, Micheal, before this conversation ends. I do want you to know that you can talk to me, just like you did when you were enrolled here. I’m available anytime you need, ok?

 

Mad Dawg: Yeah I got you, thanks. I’ll make sure to lock you in on this new phone I got. 

 

The doctor gives a slight laugh knowing that Mad Dawg is lying about his number not being saved.

 

Dr. Williams: Good, now use it too. I’ll talk to you later Mr. Davis.

 

Mad Dawg: It's MD, just keep calling me that. Get rid of all that professional shit, please.

 

Dr. Williams: Ok, MD.

 

Mad Dawg hangs up and puts the corner of his phone to his head thinking about the last few minutes that seem to last for hours. As the sunset starts to fade behind the New York City skyline Mad Dawg wonders where he is in this whole alcohol recovery journey. Who are the people around him who truly care for his well being? Is the doctor worth letting down his personal guard for?