Bedside Manner

"Bedside Manner" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of identity, beauty, and the human condition through the lens of an extraordinary medical incident. The story centers around a woman who, after surviving a catastrophic spaceship crash, faces the harrowing reality of being physically reconstructed by an alien doctor who is unfamiliar with human anatomy. The plot unfolds as the protagonist, after waking up without her limbs and senses, learns she has been saved by a non-human race that operates far beyond the current capabilities of human medicine. As she undergoes treatment, she grapples with her new identity and the fear of becoming unrecognizable to her husband, Fred. Their conversations reveal their insecurities and complexities within their relationship, particularly regarding physical appearance and self-worth. Ultimately, the alien doctor succeeds in reconstructing both of them, but with surprising results; while she becomes beautiful, Fred's appearance is less favorable. The story concludes with a sense of acceptance as they realize their love for each other transcends their physical forms, introducing a profound contemplation of love and acceptance in the face of change.