Night had fallen.
The last ray of sunset disappeared behind the green-tiled eaves.
Chen Nan slowly closed the vermillion door of the Health Care Hall, the door axle making a gentle creaking sound, as if it too were weary.
He dragged his heavy steps towards the vine-woven recliner in the front yard, each step feeling like stepping on cotton.
The recliner made a groaning sound under his weight, and he sank into it completely, not even wanting to move a fingertip.
"Hoo—"
Chen Nan exhaled a long breath, looking up at the gradually darkening sky.
The evening wind brushed across his sweat-dampened hair, bringing a trace of coolness.
He smiled bitterly and touched his throbbing temples, where it felt like a small drum was being hammered inside.
How many patients had he seen today?
Fifty?
Eighty?
Perhaps more.
From the first patient at dawn to the last stooped-over elderly man at sunset, the threshold of the consultation room was almost worn smooth.
