Stories from the Edge: Under the Surface
Unexpected moments at the edge of everyday life in two parts—a crowded waiting room, a casual encounter—that reveal the undercurrents shaping this American life.
Part I — On Growing Old in America
It was my regular check‑up visit, and I know I haven’t been watching what I eat—especially over the holidays, when it’s easy to fall off the wagon. So naturally, I’m terrified of that condescending weighing scale at my doctor’s office.
My solution? Wear the lightest clothes humanly possible. Indonesian lightweight pants. Bamboo socks from Nara, Japan. Okinatsu Tiger minimalist shoes. All strategically chosen to beat the scale by at least half a pound.
After an elaborate virtual check-in process—which asks the strangest questions—I arrive to find an unusually long line in the waiting room.
But let’s talk about that check-in for a second.
“Did you have 4 or more alcoholic drinks in one night in the past year?”
Who the heck remembers? I noted 5 drinks.
Then it asked: “Have you had 5 or more drinks in one sitting?”
It doesn’t believe me. Thanks, now the system thinks I drink like 20 in a night or something. How is this going to help the doctor?
Anyway, I arrive t…