“Hi Sarah…” TF (in my head). He went on and stopped me from removing documents from my clear bag to show what I came for. “How do you know my name?” From his body language, he didn’t have that face of ‘It’s glad to meet you offline’ that I sometimes get. I was confused. He sent me to wash my hands.
All this time am thinking, this is someone who doesn’t particularly want to start a conversation but knows me. Why did he call me by name then. I tried to remember all my ex’s faces. Imagine despite everything I have done, a former in-law is what came to mind. Thinking about it now, I wonder why I didn’t think of the recent Tinder project.
OK. Dude was gone I don’t know sorting what and signalled me to the desk I was to start with.
At that first desk, we had a specs conversation about how mist is annoying and she gave me tips on how to wear the masks to avoid it. And another inside joke that am sure wouldn’t make sense to you now. We were similar in many ways though, people skills, complexion, same brand specs, white coat and gloves except hers were white. Except for the last two is later on in the lab. Someone remind me why people are using gloves again?
The following guy looked like the woman’s brother, too light. Reminded me of why I don’t such men attractive.
‘Hi Sarah’
Again! I thought. There is a trend. “This is fucking creepy. ” He laughed to my jokes though. And his explanation was ” We are detectives.” We had a conversation of how awesome it is when someone calls you by name.
He joked that the next desk won’t call me by name but “Next”. However the lady was nice and gentle with my fingers while taking fingerprints.
From the gate and back to the gate was barely 5 minutes.
I have been anxious about today thinking I will forget my appointment day. Here I am anxious and unsatisfied with their explanation. Those are too many Walk-in’s to master everybody’s name.
In the mat: The lady sitted at the front was with me there, Let me ask her if she was called by name.
Tip: Register using browser on E-Citizen , pay through Mpesa, Book by scheduling appointments then print fingerprint and receipt by sending to cyber woman or man through email (in town or wherever you came from: hapo DCI area utakuliwa ushangae) and go there, It will take you 5 minutes. No fucking lines.
If I was to get COVID-19 after a few days, I wouldn’t suspect that place.
A scientist who writes about her daily experiences. Most are drafts but some are publicly shared, like this one you just read.