Short Story #4 - A Trip To The Dentist

The time has come. My palms are sweaty. My heart is beating fast. Life is unfair.

This is not my first time visiting the dentist. But it sure does not make me less nervous than my previous trip.

I then try to rack my brain for the mistakes I made this past week. What was it? Finishing a whole box of Ferrero Rochet? That was not my fault. A dejected boy gave it to me when he found out his love interest already had a boyfriend. Drinking Pepsi? Again, not my fault. My parents always buy two bottles religiously every three days. It is not like I have plain water to drink.

Sighing to myself, I decide it is no use finding the source of my problem for now. The problem is not going away unless I visit the dentist. My hand flew to cup my swollen jaw. It stings a little. The pain is real.

Dragging my feet along the ground, I reluctantly head to the dentist's room. It is located in the first floor, three doors from the right side and it is near to the canteen. How convenient. Suddenly I regret not telling any of my friends regarding this dangerous trip. I may not come out alive.

I am standing outside the closed door now. I crack my knuckles and chant some prayers under my breath. Swallowing my pride, I knock on the door firmly.

"Come in."

Entering the room, unsurprisingly, I spot the person I am entrusting my life wearing a white surgical mask, already attending to a helpless victim. I write my name on the large notebook for future victims before sitting down on a comfortable long couch.

"Rinse your mouth." She instructed the poor girl and she complied. Maybe she is scared of the punishment if she does not obey.

There is a short conversation between them and the girl ran out of the room, crying and cupping her cheek. I find the scene too dramatic.

Before I could finish saying my prayers, I hear my name being called. Ah the time has come. I try to walk as confidently as I can to the victim's chair. I succeeded.

I remember having a white napkin shoved under my uniform and the tools being shoved into my mouth. I do not even have the chance to say 'aaahhh' like those cartoons show. Before I knew it, my tooth has already been pulled out and I do not even have the faintest memory of the pain. The dentist must have sensed my shock. She pressed a hand on my shoulder.

"You're such a brave girl. Good job." Erm okay? Does that mean I get a medal or something. She gave me a small lollipop on my way out. I guess she is awaiting my next visit.

As I close the door behind me and head to my class, I throw a disgusting smirk. I am proud of myself. Not because of her words. But because even my enemy admits I was brave and did not cower before her and her weapons.

I unwrap the wrapper of the lollipop and pop it into my mouth. Mmm. Strawberry-flavored. This must be what victory tastes like.