"Hello?"

"Hello, this is Dr. Pinbine."

I could already tell by the caller ID, but I'm not going to mention that.

"Hello, Doctor," I replied.

"I apologize for not calling back sooner; we had to run your tests quite a few times..."

"Oh? Um...is that good?"

"Well, that depends."

"Huh?"

"Remind me again what your symptoms were, if you don't mind."

"Well, I pretty much can't sleep, and when I do sleep, I have nightmares that wake me up."

"I thought that's what you said."

"So...how am I looking?"

"Well...we can't find anything wrong!"

"Huh???"

"I know it sounds weird, but your brain seems to be showing normal signs of activity, as if nothing was wrong."

"But, that's impossible, right? Surely something's wrong!"

"Well, nothing is wrong with you; you're just as good as you've always been!"

I don't know if "good" is the best way to describe me...

"So, if nothing's wrong, then why am I having these difficulties?"

"Well, my best guess is that you've been working yourself too hard lately, causing the insomnia. As for the nightmares, well...you suffered quite the injuries this last fall. Perhaps that memory of the accident is still looking to be explored. My best guess is talking to a therapist about it."

"Well, I suppose that's somewhat relieving...thanks, Doc."

"No problem, Michael. Tell your sister and parents I said hello, won't you?"

"Of course."

"Great! Call back if you need anything!"

"I will; thanks!"

We both then hung up and I sat on the couch, completely puzzled. How was there nothing wrong with me? These nightmares and insomniac feelings keep plaguing me...yet my mind is functioning properly? But maybe the doc is right; maybe I've been working myself too hard...

Suddenly, Macey opened the front door and immediately took off her work shirt, revealing her black T-shirt underneath.

"Man, it was BUSY today!" She exhaled as she sat on the couch next to me.

"Same here," I replied as I popped my knuckles. "SOOO many people wanted the new Summertime Shake that I nearly exploded!"

"Oh, please; do you have any idea how much it sucks explaining to an elderly woman what "The Hunger Games" is and why her granddaughter would want it?"

"Eh. Fair enough."

We both then laughed and then sighed. After that, a few seconds of silence.

"Well, I guess I better make dinner," she finally told me. "Any suggestions?"

"Do you still have ingredients for Mom's signature meatloaf?"

"Of course!"

"Good; I've been in the mood for that lately."

"Well, I'll get right on it!"

While she prepared the dinner, I asked myself if I should tell her about what Dr. Pinbine said. Would it really make a difference? Would it give a sense of relief? In the end, I decided it's not worth it; I'll only tell her if she asks.

We then ate our meatloaf and watched some episodes of Family Guy until we decided to go to sleep. Maybe this time things will be different for my time of rest...

-Mike