A black pen hung from it on a frayed white string.

The fluorescent lights buzzing overhead in the pediatric wing threw a yellow cast over the empty waiting room chairs.

A TV in the corner played a silent morning news show.

I picked a seat in the far corner, keeping my back to the wall and my eyes on the double doors.

The blue clipboard held three pages of double-sided forms.

I filled in our address, my insurance group number and my emergency contacts.