I live in a suburb of Miami and love it here: At 32 years old, I enjoy the sun, the nearby beach, and the many attractions the state has to offer. I am a cardiologist in one of the most lucrative facilities, and in the 2 years since I started, I have gathered many new and satisfied patients. As expected, most of my patients are older, retired, and rich. However, now and then, there are exceptions.
One morning, a 25 year old girl came to see me because of palpitations. Most young ladies suffering from rapid heartbeats have nothing serious. Reasons vary: Stress-related, too much caffeine or alcohol, hormonal changes, and infrequently, use of illicit drugs.
The girl told me her name was Emily Heinz. After talking to her, emotional stress stood out as the most likely cause of her palpitations. Lately, she broke up with her latest boyfriend. Physical examination and EKG were benign, and I ordered a 24-hour EKG monitoring, reminding her to push a small button if she felt her abnormal rhythm.
Three days later, Emily returned. She said she felt a rapid heart rate when her Mom asked her a question about her former boyfriend and another time during the night. Each one lasted a minute or less.
"Emily, the episode during the day may be attributed to mental stress. The one during the night could have been related to a dream." She blushed and lowered her head. I checked the EKG tracings, and neither episode showed significant arrhythmia. The actual pulse rate was only slightly higher than usual. This situation usually does not warrant medical treatment, only a reminder of what the triggers are for future episodes. In case of too many symptomatic occurrences, small doses of beta-blockers may help. She was very happy there was nothing serious but requested another follow-up in a month.
...
A week later, I was on my way to a friend and stopped at Starbucks to drink the espresso mocha I liked. I didn't see a free table and stood by the wall, sipping my coffee. Suddenly, I saw somebody raise a hand, trying to get my attention. It was Emily. She sat alone at a table for 2 and invited me to sit with her. I remembered her from the prior visit, but back then, I saw her in a shapeless patient's gown. Now, she looked beautiful: Her light brown hair was arranged in a ponytail, giving her the appearance of a teenager. She had a cute face and smiled at me. Emily was sitting, so I could not tell much about her body, but since I had examined her earlier, I remembered she had an athletic figure.
I joined her and said I was lucky to see her with an empty chair. She chuckled and said she was thinking about me.
I said, "Lady, if I were a pretty girl like you, I'd find more attractive guys to think of, like Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt.
Emily giggled, "They may be handsome, but they are too old. Both of them are 60-62 years old."
"Sorry, I don't know who are the current heartthrobs."
"I guess Timothee Chalamet and Austin Butler qualify, but, doctor, you are attractive as well. Are you married?"
I joked, "Not yet. Are you thinking of marrying me?"
Her face turned ruby red, "Not really. However, if I was in a bar or a party and you approached me, I wouldn't refuse."
I said, "That was quick. Emily, as your physician, it is unethical to date my patients. But with your beauty, I have no doubts you are surrounded by eligible guys."
She grinned, "I am shy and introverted, so I am reluctant to go out with men I do not know."
"Emily, do you have hobbies or certain interests?"
"I'd love to travel, although I haven't gone much. I also like romantic comedies and photography."
I smiled, "I am an amateur photographer, too. Any specific subjects you like to shoot?"
"I use a zoom lens to shoot people from a distance. If they do not know somebody is aiming at them, they do not try to fake their expression."
"I love wild scenery and exotic cultures. I took photos during trips to Maui, Spain, Japan, and Iceland."
She sighed, "I envy you. One day, I'll also travel abroad."
"Is the reason you haven't gone abroad related to money or time constraints?"
She laughed, "Neither. I haven't found the person I'd feel comfortable to go abroad with."
I stood up, "Emily, I hope you'll find the right guy soon. I need to run now. Thanks for the pleasant company, and see you for your follow-up."
Two hours later, I was chatting with my friend and forgot about Emily.
...
The day Emily came for her follow-up visit I was extremely busy. I smiled at her and inquired how she was doing lately. She stared at me and said, "The only time I felt palpitations was when I sat with you in Starbucks."
I smiled, "Were you scared I'd bite you?"
She looked at me seriously and blurted, "In the clinic, you wore your doctor's coat. In Starbucks, I saw the real you. You looked very handsome and nice. Remember, I told you, as a photographer, I learned to judge people by their looks and facial expression."
I smirked, "Lady, you are dangerous! Next, you'll discover all the skeletons in my closet."
Emily giggled, "Actually, your face shows calmness and unpretentious happiness. By the way, I brought with me several of my photos."
"I am sorry, but I'll have to take a raincheck. I am swamped today. The good news: your heart seems to be OK."
"Doctor Harrison, I really want you to see my pictures. Can we meet again somewhere so I show them to you?"
"Do you mean like Starbucks again?"
"If possible, I prefer a quieter place."
"We can meet in the local park and sit on a bench. Each one of us will bring 5-10 photos for the other to appreciate."
"Thank you. I would love it."
"Emily, since your heart seems to be perfect, you won't need me as a physician anymore. When we meet in the park, it will be silly to call me doctor, so use my first name, Nick."
She blushed and whispered, "Thank you."
"Is Friday at 5 pm at the entrance to the park OK?"
"I'll be there."
...
On Friday afternoon, I carried with me a brown envelope with 7 photos I took in Japan. They included a closeup of Mount Fuji during sunset, Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto, Kenrocu-en garden in Kanazawa, Himeji castle, a samurai house, Arashiyama bamboo forest, and cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
Emily came toward me wearing a short-sleeved floral blouse and a summer skirt. Again, she looked younger than her age, except that this time, her hair was loose and framed perfectly her pretty face. I noticed red lipstick that wasn't there before. She smiled at me, and my first reaction was: This girl is very attractive!...
I smiled back at her and noticed her eyes inspected me as well.
We strolled toward the bench area near the pond and sat down. Emily pulled from her purse 5 photos. Two were faces of old males with many wrinkles and sad expressions. Two others were teenage girls. One was jumping rope, and the other was crying. The last one was of a toddler hugging a dog. It wasn't so much the subjects but the way she captured their faces that was impressive.