The waiting room smelled like antiseptic, but Benny was all smiles. He had his phone ready, already recording as the nurse wheeled me out post-surgery. My cheeks were stuffed with gauze, and everything felt hilariously floaty.

"Well, well, look who's alive," Benny grinned, angling the camera at me.

I tried to glare at him, but it probably looked more like a sleepy blink. "M’not dead."

"Debatable," he teased, brushing a stray piece of hair from my face. "You look like a very cute, very confused chipmunk."

I gasped, scandalized. "You—you take that back, Benjamin!"

Benny snorted. "Oh no, full name usage. Should I be scared?"

"Yes!" I poked his arm weakly, but it felt like my limbs were made of jelly.

Benny just laughed, putting his phone down for a second to squeeze my hand. "Hey, don’t worry, Chipmunk Queen. I got you."

I pouted at him, still loopy. "You’re mean."

"And yet, you love me," he shot back, leaning closer. "Come on, let’s get you home before you start declaring your love for the dentist."