“Needle”
Jan 07, 2020Dr. Sunny told Tony, “this will only hurt for a second.” But Dr. Sunny was a sadist and a liar. They all were.
Tony’s mouth was stretched wide by metal rods and bars. His teeth were draped in cloth and rubber. He could only make his fists so tight to deal with the anxiety. His hands were clammy and his feet were fidgeting. Sunglasses hid the terror in his eyes. The lead vest draped on his chest felt like a sumo wrestler sitting on him. He couldn’t breathe or swallow, and the suction device resting on his lips hissed and gurgled, sucking his mouth dry.
Dr. Sunny stood over Tony with a needle the length of a football field. The sterile metal glinted in the bright light shining down on Tony. Perhaps this is the end, he thought to himself. Going into the light might be less excruciating than the pain of that horrific needle being jabbed into his gums.
The needle pierced his gums and Tony’s fists tightened. He was trying to be an adult about the whole charade and didn’t want to be a crybaby, but a tiny yelp squeaked its way out of his throat. Dr. Sunny ignored it and pushed the needle in further. The pain was dull at first, then became sharp. The further the needle went in, the more intense the pain.
Tony dug his fingers into his thighs. His fingers were soaking up the sweat oozing from his palms. A breath and another squelch came from him. His clenched eyelids squeezed tears out the side of his eyes, and the tears flowed down his face. His foot was shaking violently. Dr. Sunny kept his composure and his hands held steady.
It felt like an eternity to Tony. He thought of being at home in bed tucked in by his mommy. He wanted out of this hell. No more soda or candy or anything in his mouth ever again.
One last pinch and the needle was out. “See, that wasn’t so bad,” Dr. Sunny said with a maniacal laugh.