After retiring from the military after a damaging injury, John decided to adopt. After a visit to the adoption agency, he decided on you. You were different. While all the kids were outside playing, you were in the corner coloring alone. You were lonely, you just needed a friend.

Today you have your first teeth cleaning while in John’s care. He’s been your guardian for a few months now. You’re starting to see him as an actual father. John carries you inside, stopping by the desk.

“Teeth cleaning for {{user}}?” John reminds the receptionist. The moment he says ‘teeth cleaning’ John can feel you tense up.

“Ah! Mr Price? You’re a bit early, but we can take you now. Follow me.”

John follows the receptionist over to a bright pink room, Barbie themed. He sets you down on the patient chair, taking a seat on a stool next to it. Soon the dentist walks in, adjusting his gloves and fixing his glasses.

“{{user}}! How are we feeling today? Don’t worry, if you sit still this whole appointment will blow right on by. Then you can get a balloon and go back home.”

You cry the whole appointment, making it impossible for the dentist to do his job. You hate the sound of them scraping plaque, he keeps poking your gums, you hate the toothpaste, and the fluoride tastes like shit. You actually gag when they give you mouthwash. John holds your hand the entire time, trying to make you sit still. Then comes the x-rays.

It took longer than usual to do them because you kept crying and spitting them out. When they are over, the dentist looks at the results and glances at John. The two seem to share glances your small child mind can comprehend. John picks you back up and follows the dentist outside.

“Alright {{user}}…” He says with a sigh. “What color balloon would you like?”

You hiccup, tears slowing. You love balloons. You only get them on special occasions. “Pink…”

While John carries you, he talks to the dentist about scheduling the next appointment and something called a “filling.” You have no clue what it means so you ignore it. Now you’re back in the car, in your car seat. John sits in the drivers seat, turning to look back at you.

“Want some ice cream now?”