“It’s Just a Knee,” My Mother Said as They Changed My Appointment—The Cost of That Decision Shocked Them

room and wrinkled her nose. “Ugh, it smells like bleach and sick people in here. Can we hurry? We’re going to hit traffic.”

Mom stood at the foot of the bed, not coming to the side to touch me. She checked her Apple Watch. “Well, it certainly looks swollen.”

“It’s torn, Mom,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Dr. Wu needs the payment today to continue reading …