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A short story about the rapidly declining mental state of a schizophrenic.
He, the entrancer of all women, the pinnacle of all dreams, the suspector of all things innocent, and God of at least two religions, and trombone player, fumbled for his security card at the dorm entrance. It wasn't his fault.
The cold had done it. It had numbed his hands like it always did on Tuesdays at 2:32 a.m, in a subjectively different manner from how it numbed his hands at 2:31. He cursed the damn cold with a foggy breath and pulled off his glove, exposing the phalanges of his hand that appeared hypoxic in the sub freezing temperatures. The key card smiled at him as he grasped it between his depressed fingers, relishing in its superiority. Its plasticy covering flashed the dim streetlight back at him as he held the card against the scanner. It angrily beeped in disapproval, and the peculiar man jumped in surprise. He scowled at his card and tried again to no avail. Grunting, he slid the card back into his leathery wallet, slid the wallet back into his thick, dark colored trench coat, and resheathed his hand in his glove, even though right hand was far too cold for the glove to help.
He protected the cold, black glass with his black gloves to give his glassy eyes a better view of the dorm room lobby. Richie sat back in his recliner with his scarlet security hat draped over his face. His large chest moved up and down with even breaths as his feet intimidated the computer screen secured on the desk in front of him. Each respiration inched his toes a distance back and forth, almost touching the screen but then falling back before they could commit to a relationship. The lobby was empty except for the spider that wove its cobwebs too close to the lamp in the corner, and the saddened plant, drooping its leaves in lament for its despicable situation. They cast a surprisingly gloomy shadow over the room.
But the peculiar man started patting the glass with his hand. Richie started to sit up, but was ignored by a voice appearing behind the peculiar man. "Mark?" it stated.
"Why are you outside this late?" it accused.
Mark seemed a little startled by the stern voice but didn't let it get to him. He just glanced over at Philo and smiled. "Oh".
Philo gave Mark a confused glance and pulled out a security card from the pocket of his khaki shorts. "Need help?"
Mark stood still for a second, but then nodded and stepped out of the way very quickly. Philo forced a smile that looked way too real. He stepped in front of Mark in his red flip flops to press his card against the scanner, but it didn't seem to care about Mark. Mark didn't seem to care about it either, because when he picked his head up from the scanner to look through the doorway, Richie had woken up and unlocked the door. Although he would normally wait for Philo to go through first, Mark grabbed his bags, jumped ahead and opened the door for himself. Philo firmly grasped his hand and stopped the door in its tracks. He stared into Mark with a smile of friendliness and a gaze of death.
They both remained still for a second, but then Philo interrupted it apologetically removed his hand from the door to let Mark enter. The room was much warmer, but a cold kept ebbing at the back of Mark's head. He walked with a sweat towards the elevator at the end of the hallway.
Richie yawned and swerved his chair to the passersby. He stretched his arms wide with a hat in his hand. "Late night Mark?" he stated without any much attention. Mark just nodded and held his belongings close and continued down the hall. Philo walked up to the desk and started a conversation. Richie didn't seem to care.
"How's it moving, Rich?" he proposed. Richie sighed and pulled his security cap back over his sleeping mind.
"Sure thing man," Philo stepped back and laughed at a joke, swung his arms. He twisted back towards the hallway. Mark was already in the elevator and anxiously waiting for the door to close. Philo cranked his head into view as the door started to slide shut. "Hey, hold the door man!" he shouted from down the hall. Mark pretended not to hear him. As the door hurried into closing, Philo's foot interrupted , slowing it down to a halt. Mark stared at the expected intruder and found his own hand on the open door button. Philo stuck his torso through the door as it opened.
"Phew, man," he stated, not tired. "You almost missed me there!"
Mark wished he had his trombone. It always made him feel better. He tried to make his lips curve up but kept pressing the open door button instead. Philo glanced down at the buttons and asked which floor Mark's room was on. Mark traced the intruder with his eyes as he moved towards the button. He froze.
Philo squinted at Mark, but didn't point out his awkwardness. "It's okay, I already know." He pressed the door open button. Mark did too, again. Mark looked at Philo, and Philo looked back at Mark. Mark pushed floor 17.
The elevator ascended at a snail's pace. Thankfully, Philo was really good at conversation.
"Hey," He tossed into the elevator. It didn't land anywhere. He shut his mouth again. Mark wasn't eager to talk.
"So, um," He tried again. "How have you been since, uh, your mom died?" He stated with a blank face. Then he smiled.
Mark became dyspneic. The elevator opened up to the sky and stars began to flutter in his eyes like kites. He turned to a still smiling Philo, and released an exasperated, "fine". Philo look confused, but nodded his head and agreed. He sat back against the rising elevator wall. He looked up to the open sky, too. The sun told him it was at least 2:32 a.m.
"I mean personally, I'd find it so weird to not have a mom. She's just such an important figure to me, you know?" He said awkwardly. "Like, she's been there for me my whole life, and all my best memories are with her."
Mark's breathing rate increased a little.
Philo looked at himself in the reflection of the metal elevator wall. He seemed very flat today. "Especially when we all went to get ice cream. Dad, Mom and I. Those were the best moments. Whenever something good or bad happened, Ice cream was the celebration or the solution. You know those kinda moments?"
Mark breathed a little bit faster.
Philo didn't stop to check if Mark knew those kind of moments. Those are the best". His reflection still looked flat. "Dad was the best too. He just never seemed to get over mom's death like I did. I could remember how sad he looked from that prison cell. I never asked why, I just knew he was sad for some reason." He smiled now. "Damn. Those were the good old times."
Mark couldn't stop it anymore. His breath raced.
Philo turned to Mark, walked close to him. "Don't you miss those good old times?" He stammered. Someone whispered into the back of Mark's skull. "I honestly don't know how you could possibly live-" he was breathing down Mark's neck now- "without knowing that you have your parents available to you at any given time." The words singed every hair on his body. Someone was poking him in the back.
Philo tried to make eye contact with Mark, but Mark refused to turn. He couldn't. The elevator might not have been moving anymore. Mark couldn't tell.
Philo laughed hysterically and tilted his head back. His feet began to pace around the elevator. "Do you know how unbelievable you are?" He said to the elevator. Then he turned back to Mark. "You honestly told yourself that you could live content in this mental shithole you live in?"
"Philo," Mark whispered.
"What was that? You have something important to say?" They both waited for Mark to say something in the silence of the elevator. Something was stabbing Mark in the back. The elevator opened up in the ambience of the room.
"Hmm?" Philo asked again.
"Please stop," Mark whispered again.
Mark tilted his head sideways, perplexed. "Oh," he said, maniacally. He exhaled through his nose. "Oh!" he stated. The elevator doors slid open to the roof of a tall building. The cold bit Mark's face like a baseball bat. Philo walked through it. Mark waited for the doors to close.
Philo took slow steps and threw his hands behind his head. His head shook as he looked around the campus. It was too dark to see any of the trees, the streets, the houses, the other dorms, the ground, the moon, or the elevator. Philo was visible, though. The rusted outline of the building vents and A/C were visible, though. The edge of the roof was visible, though.
The elevator doors wouldn't shut. The stars glared down at Mark with a weighty gaze, inviting him to exit with force. Mark pressed the close button once. Philo's head picked up at the sound of the click. The doors wouldn't shut.
Philo turned back to Mark, face bloodshot with insanity. He froze, and then smiled once again. "Mark," he said calmly, "Why don't you come out onto the roof with me?"
Mark felt every drop of cold sweat trickle down his spine as he pressed the elevator button once more. He didn't look up to meet Philo's eyes. He still heard him though. "Mark," Philo said from the inside of Mark's head, "Why don't you come outside and meet your mother?" Mark's eyes blurred. His head carried the weight of the world. He pressed the button once more.
"Mark," Philo whispered into Mark's ear, grabbing his hand, "Why don't we go out onto the roof?" The intruder's hand began to crush the grains of Mark's carpals. Mark shook his head rebelliously.
Philo paused for the last time. His khakis shorts looked awfully pale. "Well," he stated plainly, "Isn't that a shame." He let go of Mark. Mark looked up at him. Then his mind went black
When he opened his eyes again he was standing next to Philo before the edge of the roof. There was a busy street below them. Taxis and cars were racing by under the pale orange streetlights. A bum sat on the corner of two blocks, shaking his can to the passing vehicles. A couple walked across the cars stalled by the red light. Dim yellow lights shone behind a couple of drawn blinds on the walls of the city apartments, shielding the night owls in a veil of privacy.
Philo had his hands in his pockets. He looked down at the street scene playing out before him. "You know mark, It's been really hard for me these past few years, you know?" He said without looking up. "Sometimes I'm glad I've made it as far as I have, but sometimes I just don't see why either of us should keep on going."
Mark didn't tell his legs to move, but they did. He took a step up onto the ledge of the roof. He desperately tried to move his lips, but nothing came out.
"It just isn't worth it. It's too tough for me, and too tough for you." He said for the last time. "Mark," he whispered.
"I don't want to anymore, Philo," Mark tried, eyes watery with sadness. "I don't want to," he confessed, sobbing. He wiped them once more, and blinked. He lifted his fearful head, but Philo was gone. There was no one on the roof. There was no elevator behind him. There was no street. It was just the campus floor laid out below him. He looked down in disbelief.
Mark chuckled.
"It's just a little too cold out, you know?" Mark giggled, slipping his black glove back on his right hand. He jumped off.
© Copyright 2020 BrycB. All rights reserved.
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Florence de Guzman de Saint-Nicolas is a Manager within the Employment & Pension team.
She assists clients on a wide range of topics in the fields of individual work relations (contracts of employment, non-compete clauses, non-disclosure and non-solicitation agreements, commission and bonus plans, termination, negotiated settlements, mutually agreed terminations, etc.) and collective work relations bringing an advice and a support adapted to the needs of each company. She works for Monaco and international Companies, Banks, Investment funds, Hotel industry.
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The Best People In The Industry.
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Why Groogan Insurance Group, LLC?
Groogan Insurance is locally owned and operated, independent insurance agency, and we build long-term, meaningful relationships with our clients.
We deliver individually tailored, cost-efficient policies and plans, and we have agents who are friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced. We've served Smyrna and communities throughout Central Tennessee for many years, and we're passionate about what we do.
We make sure that our clients know that we appreciate them. Whether it's by holding client appreciation events or by communicating openly, politely, and promptly, we give clients every opportunity to understand and to feel our appreciation.
We look forward to serving you. Click below to start your journey with us.
Groogan Insurance Group, LLC
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Office: 615-462-5603
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Groogan Insurance
Ronda K. Groogan
Principal Agent & Founder
Ronda is the Principal/Owner of Groogan Insurance Group, LLC and has been a Licensed Insurance Agent for over 16 years. She is also a certified Medicare Representative through CMS. In 2006, Ronda received the Presidents Club Award from AAA. She has also been awarded by various other organizations including Cigna, Hanover Insurance Group, and more. She is a member of SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance). In her free time, Ronda enjoys spending time with her family and serving as a member of LifePoint Church in Smyrna, TN.
Bobby Groogan
Vice President
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Katie Gyalog
Agent & Office Manager
Born in California, but grew up in middle TN. Katie has been a licensed insurance agent since 2007 & is the office manager at Groogan Insurance. She graduated from MTSU in December 2015 with her Bachelor's in Finance with a concentration in insurance & a minor in Business Administration. She loves to be with her church family at LifePoint Stewart's Creek Campus where she serves in the Student Ministry. She also enjoys reading, running, & camping.
Ashleigh P. Gyalog
Operations Manager
Ashleigh was born and raised in middle Tennessee. She attended Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky. Ashleigh was a collegiate athlete and played basketball for the Lady knights while pursuing her degree. She graduated from KCU in May 2017. Earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management and a minor in Biblical Studies. Shortly after graduation she got licensed as an insurance agent in August 2017. She enjoys going to the beach, being out on the lake, watching sporting events, and hanging out with her family and friends.
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Tammy Taylor McClary
Medicare Benefits Advisor
I was born and raised in Nashville, TN! Graduated from Nashville Christian School in Bellevue. After graduating from high school, I went to Memphis State University for 3 years and met my husband. We moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. I graduated from The University of Arkansas Little Rock with a BS in Health Science and minor in Sociology concentrated in Gerontology. I worked as a Case Manager with the Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging after graduating. Then my husband's job moved us back to the great state of Tennessee and we have lived here ever since. We lived in Memphis for 5 years, then moved to Cookeville, TN for 3 years, and finally settled in Smyrna, TN! I've lived in Smyrna for 22 years now! My husband unfortunately passed away unexpectantly in 2014. We had 4 beautiful children that we are so proud of, 3 girls and 1 boy! I remarried in 2017 and now have a large blended family!! We have 7 children between the two of us, two grandchildren, two boys and one girl on the way! I was a foster mom for 6 years. In those 6 years I fostered a total of 5 girls and 2 boys and adopted one of my foster daughters!
I am a Senior Benefits Advisor, specializing in Medicare products, such as, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental Plans, under 65 Health plans, hospital indemnity and dental plans! I love working with Insurance and helping my clients find the best plans to meet their needs. I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, reading, and enjoying life to its fullest!
Connie E. Ward
Medicare Benefits Advisor
Connie Ward is a licensed health & life Senior Insurance advisor specializing in Medicare products. Such as Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap/Supplement plans, hospital indemnity, and dental plans.
Connie has been in the Senior Market for nearly ten years and would enjoy helping you Navigate the Medicare Maze. She enjoys partnering with Groogan Insurance Group, LLC and volunteering in the community at local Senior Centers and Events.
When not working with her clients, Connie enjoys spending time with family and friends traveling, boating or just getting together enjoying good conversation. She likes to go to the YMCA and take the Silver Sneaker classes or just walk outside at the park. One of her favorite buddies is her 14-year-old dog Cooper. He still has lots of spunk and keeps her hopping.
Connie attended Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion Indiana where she resided most of her life until moving to Tennessee to be close to her daughter & son-in-law and 4 wonderful grandchildren.
Elizabeth Foster
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Although Born in Arkansas, Elizabeth has lived in Tennessee since she was 9 months old. She has been a resident of Smyrna going on 22 years now. After pursuing some College with Bryan College in Dayton TN she chose a career path with a great company for 12 years. Recently she has decided to shift her focus from climbing the corporate ladder to helping people navigate the world of Medicare Insurance. For fun Elizabeth loves spending time with her son, hanging by the pool and spending time with family and friends. Elizabeth is also active in her church Hope Fellowship.
Roxie Moorman
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Roxie has been working in Advertising and Marketing for the past 20 years after graduating from Ball State University in IN. She enjoyed helping customers build their brand and grow their customer base. She loves the relationships that she has formed and is happy to call many of these customers friends. She is excited about her recent move to TN and is ready to help clients navigate the world of Medicare Insurance, and form great relationships here. She enjoys spending time with her two teenage boys, and her fiancé Tom. She likes to keep in shape and finds the beach to be her happy place.
Katherine Giles
Born and raised in Middle Tennessee, Kat has called Smyrna home for nearly 15 years. She really enjoys working with Groogan Insurance and helping our customers! She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Science (graduating 2005) and a Master of Science degree in Human Sciences (graduating 2008) from MTSU. In addition to her role at Groogan Insurance, she works as a group fitness instructor and Registered Dietitian for the YMCA of Middle TN. She enjoys spending time with her 3 kids, staying active, reading and having fun with family and friends.
Joanne Speer
Medicare Benefits Advisor
Joanne has been a licensed insurance agent for 25 years. For the last 8 years she has been helping people with their Medicare insurance and Long Term Care Insurance needs. Joanne is a graduate of MTSU with a BS degree in Human Science. She and her husband, Frank, have lived in Smyrna for 40 years and have 3 children and 7 wonderful grandchildren. Joanne and Frank are active members of St. Luke Catholic Church.


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ClinDATC was developed due to rigidity of existing CDM software that was hard-coded, inflexible, costly and difficult to customise. ClinDATC has the ability to deploy and tailor your EDC solutions to meet your needs in any cohort and observational study.
ClinDATC is a partnership between a developer and a beta-tester from the Little Red Dot. Having being in the clinical research since 2010, we faced many frustrations in working together to develop instruments for a hard-coded clinical database. Opportunity came when a new cohort study requires EDC and BioBanking systems to administer questionnaires to subjects and to store sample information, and ClinDATC was born.
ClinDATC Team
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Dana Palumbo
Dana Palumbo is a health coach who helps people feel super and shed pounds without dieting, deprivation or giving up their social lives. She teaches a common sense, whole foods approach to living a healthy, happy life. After years of battling her own body and using drastic measures to stay thin, she found a better way in simple changes and plants. She graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and started her own practice to help others do the same. She is also one of two in house health coaches at Uplift Studios in NYC. She lives New York City where she kicks it with Jackson (a handsome Shiba Inu) and coaches clients by phone or Skype.


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Gemfibrozil is the generic name used for a drug which is used to lower the levels of triglycerides in the liver and also, manage the bad cholesterol (LDL) and good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Belonging to the class called fibrates, Gemfibrozil is often prescribed along with diet and lifestyle changes to people who have very high level of cholesterol in their bodies. Your doctor may prescribe it for other problems as well, like diseases of the pancreas or to lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
Gemfibrozil is a medicine that helps to reduce cholesterol and fatty acids (triglycerides) in the blood. It is more like a blood purifying agent. Cholesterol and fatty are known for causing hyperlipidemia which is the primary condition that Gemfibrozil treats. Accumulation of high levels these fats can increase the risk of clogged arteries which is a catalyst of heart diseases.
Gemfibrozil works by increasing the metabolism rate in the body to enhance the burning of these fats. It also reduces to absorption of more fats into the blood stream. Gemfibrozil should be used with diet to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides in patients with pancreatitis. It can also be used to lower the stroke and heart attack risks. Gemfibrozil should be taken twice a day, 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.