Page 141 - Musings 2021

Paisa (Aka AP), however. A veteran agent in the ACM, AP was well-versed in the art of
extracting money from even the most bull-headed of patients. In a true veteran move, he
turned to Mark’s anxious mother and proceeded to address her in medical Latin, slipping in
phrases like “low stability”, “additional strain”, “weak joints”, and the clincher, “will never
walk again.” To emphasise how grave the injury was, he ordered Mark to leave his room in a
wheelchair, and laid out a comprehensive four-month plan that could be summarised as
“resting one’s leg expensively.” As expected, the move worked, and in less than two minutes,
the mother was willing to sell her house, car, and borrow from the local moneylender to foot
the medical bills this serious injury would entail. Sensing an opportunity to add to the fear,
Bulby ramped up the pain quotient, causing the mark to wince and thus, sealed the deal.

The final prescription recommended three painkillers, one crutch, a crepe bandage, four
weeks of physiotherapy, and something called a vacuum boot, along with some parting jewels
of wisdom from the now-revered doctor. “Your son is the future of our country, it is important
that he listens to his elders and follows doctors’ orders. We all want what’s best for our future
flag-bearers. Please ensure your son doesn’t partake in any sort of flag-bearing over the next
couple of months.”

Having pushed his propaganda, with a subtle hint of nationalism, AP sent the defeated Mark
on his way, wheeled away to the beginning of a year-long spending spree.

His mission a spectacular success, Bulby began to phase himself out over the next couple
days. A quick debrief followed, and he was sent to ruin another eighteen-year-old’s life.
LID was back.

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