FLASH FICTION: The HIV Test

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That evening, Frank sat impatiently at the reception of the diagnostic centre. Resting his back against the Christmassy decorations on the wall, Frank's red eye balls sprinted from side to side as he awaited his HIV test results.

Frank had come on a doctor's advice to the diagnostic centre to carry out an HIV test following his persistent fever and dizziness.

While Frank stamped his feet on the tiled floor of the reception, staring at the swirling, white ceiling fan hanging above him, his mind travelled to his recent recklessness - how he had, a few months ago, had a threesome in one night without wearing a condom. He hoped strongly that the test results will be negative.

Shortly afterwards, a laboratory attendant clad in white overalls entered the reception bearing a crisp-looking brown file.
"Mr. Frank," the attendant said smilingly, "here is your results. Please be strong."

Frank hands shook like a flag on a windy evening as he collected the results. Slowly, he opened the envelope and untucked the paper trapped inside it. And Frank was right, the results read exactly what he had expected - HIV positive.

However, as Frank rose to leave the reception the same attendant who had brought the results ran towards him.

"Sorry sir." Said she, "sorry sir. We made a mistake. The results I handed you was wrong. Sorry sir. Please, here is your real result."

Frank smiled brightly and collected the new results. He took a deep breathe and summoned the courage to open the new envelope. Unfortunately, the result was the same - HIV Positive.