The Fax

What's another year?

“Here’s your paperwork,” the receptionist said. “Just fill it out and fax it over to the lab when you get home.”

“Fax it?” the patient asked. “Who does faxes anymore?”

“We do. The lab obviously does. That’s the only way the Lab will do business these days. They’re getting scammed and spammed at every turn.”

“Can’t I just scan it and PDF it instead?”

“Sorry, sir. I’m just reading their instructions. They make the rules for new patients, and their rules say ‘Fax it’ over.”

Rory stared down at the lab paperwork, then looked around the office.

“Where am I going to get a fax machine?”

“The local copy and office shops have them, and can fax for a small fee, per page I believe it is,” said the receptionist.

He handed the paperwork back to the receptionist.

“Eh, my bloodwork can wait another year.”

“Are you su…”

Rory held up his hand and said, “Positive. O positive, like my blood. See you next year. Perhaps you can put in a word with the lab to update their process. Not your fault. And thank you for putting up with me.”