No Cast, Just Caste

An old couple walks in: the lady has slipped and fallen and has a broken radius and ulna.

Me: “So, you will need a slab and then a cast. I also advise some painkillers and calcium.”

Her husband speaks up.

Husband: “Is there another option beside cast.”

Me: “Why?”

Husband: “If she will have a cast who will do the chores in the house?”

This is rural India, so no washing machine and dishwasher. He expects this lady to wash his clothes and dishes with a broken hand.

Me: “You seem alright. Why can’t you do the work. She is your wife not your slave. Please go to the next room for a cast.”

They go to the next room, with the wife smiling at this point!