I had a doctor’s appointment the other day. Nothing serious, just a follow-up to figure out what’s wrong with my head. (There are many theories.) I arrived on time and was promptly escorted to a tiny room where I could play video games on my phone until the doctor’s schedule caught up with mine. So far, pretty normal.

To my surprise, just moments after I’d settled into an uncomfortable chair, the fire alarm went off. The good part of that was the alarm summoned the doctor to my door. (Maybe next time in, I’ll pull the alarm myself.) Apparently, there were some construction workers in the building, and the doc explained that they likely tripped the alarm. While the staff investigated, he started the routine inquiry and exam.

A moment later someone came by and said we had to evacuate, so we headed out. I followed the doctor out the door and away from the crowd gathering there. We stopped at the end of the sidewalk, and the conversation immediately resumed. As the firetrucks rolled in and men in yellow suits and airpacks entered the building the exam continued as my neck and head were probed. The building was deemed safe and we returned to the tiny room long enough for the computer to be updated and we were done.

All-in-all, a rather odd but efficient experience. Although in retrospect, I am awfully glad I didn’t go in for a hemorrhoid complaint.