It Ends with a Twist

Knots and aches torments the young Justin Gleer. He knows hard work too well and suffers after his late night shifts in near agony. After weeks of pain, his pregnant wife speaks up. “You should look into a chiropractor. You remember Charlie from high school? He might be able to help.” Justin remembers and frowns, but the pain is unbearable and he makes the call.

Dr. Charles Hamilton welcomes Justin with a firm handshake. After a brief, yet detailed explanation, Dr. Hamilton describes his practice. Justin, overwhelmed with relief, lays down on the table and Dr. Hamilton gets to work.

The doctor says, nonchalantly, “I bet Becca had to do some convincing to get you to come see me.”

There is a pop.

“Uh,” Justin says. “Yeah, actually. How did you know Becca and I-”

“We were all so close in high school,” Dr. Hamilton went on. “It’s a shame we…lost contact…with each other.”

There is a pull.

Justin says nothing. He begins to sweat, knowing at that very moment, Dr. Charles Hamilton remembered everything from senior year.

“Becca has been seeing me for a while now,” Dr. Hamilton says as he rounds the table. “Been having these…migraines for a few months.”

There is a jerk.

Justin clears his throat. “She hasn’t mentioned that.” Dr. Hamilton just nods a reply.

“Look,” Justin says as he sits up. “I’m really sorry about what happened in high school. We were just kids, you know? If I knew you two were that serious, I wouldn’t have butted in.”

There is a pause.

“Just one more adjustment,” the doctor grins. He places his hands at the base of Justin’s neck. “You always thought you were so much better than me,” he hisses, “I bet you think you’re the father too.”

There is a twist.