The clinic waiting room carried a calm, comforting atmosphere, with soft lighting and the gentle scent of peppermint tea lingering in the air. Three elderly gentlemen sat side by side, coats neatly folded on their laps and walking canes resting nearby. They chatted quietly while waiting for their turn with Dr. Halpern, who planned to conduct a simple memory check. It was not a stressful examination, but rather a routine assessment meant to ensure their minds remained healthy as they continued to age gracefully.
When Dr. Halpern called the first patient, Mr. Arthur entered with confident steps, eager to show he was doing just fine. The doctor smiled and asked a straightforward question: “What is three times three?” Arthur paused, concentrating deeply as if searching through distant memories. After thinking carefully, he answered with certainty, “Two hundred and seventy-four.” Though the response was incorrect, Arthur looked pleased with his effort, and the doctor kindly noted the answer without discouraging him.
Next came Mr. Bernard, who walked in with a cheerful expression and a playful sense of humor. Hearing the same question, he answered almost immediately, “Tuesday!” The unexpected reply brought a lighthearted mood to the room. Bernard laughed at his own response, and even the doctor struggled to keep a serious expression. The friendly exchange reminded everyone that sometimes joy and personality matter just as much as perfect answers.
Finally, Mr. Clarence stepped forward, having quietly observed his friends’ turns. When asked the question, he thought for only a moment before calmly answering, “Nine.” The doctor nodded approvingly, impressed by the correct reply. Clarence then leaned in and joked that he had reached the answer by subtracting Tuesday from Arthur’s earlier number, prompting laughter from everyone nearby. The moment ended with smiles all around, and Dr. Halpern recorded a final note reflecting the spirit of the morning: while memory can sometimes falter, a good sense of humor and positive attitude remain priceless qualities at any age.
