heal// 5SOS

12

Calum

Before collecting Sage, I went to the store and stocked up on medicine, chocolate, and picked up their prescriptions for the next month. I also got a toothbrush and toothpaste since I forgot to bring theirs.

With it all in the back, I drove to Sage's school and signed them out early, greeting them with the same smile as always.

"How has your day been?"

They shrugged, getting into the car in silence before plugging their headphones in. I respected that, and decided not to get upset about it.

Their knee bounced and hands shook, but they didn't say anything.

"Unfortunately Crystal is gonna be a little bit late, but you will still do amazing,"

"Okay,"

"He is super kind, and Gia likes him a lot,"

Again, they didn't reply, and I parked us by the office, climbing out the car. I passed them the toothbrush and toothpaste, then they held my hand on the way in and while I got the form.

I set them off to brush, Mike texting to say he had the kids, then they sat down beside me and began to let out deep breaths.

"Sage Hood?"

I was grateful they used Sage Hood, instead of the name on their records. They enjoyed being a Hood.

"Good afternoon! I can't believe I'm seeing you again, Calum,"

"I know," I laughed, "So many kids now,"

"It's lovely to see you again, Sage. Why don't you have a seat and we can have a little chat?"

"I can't,"

"It won't lay down just yet,"

They looked at me and I nodded, kissing their head; they sat, struggling to keep the straight face I knew they wanted on.

"So remind me what brought you in today?"

"I had a cleaning and she said I needed a dentist,"

"Did she say why? Or did she leave that up to me?"

"It's sensitive,"

"Your teeth?"

"At the top on the right,"

"One in particular?"

"I don't know,"

"Well that's okay, we can figure it out. Do you have any questions for me?"

"Can I have the gas?"

"Of course, I want to make sure you're comfortable,"

"Thank you. Will you lie to me?"

"Nope. I can tell you everything,"

They nodded and he smiled, putting on gloves as they spoke.

"Would it be okay if I had a look at your teeth now?"

"Okay,"

"Thank you, Sage. That's really helpful for us,"

They grabbed my hand as the chair lowered, them he put the gas over their nose and got out his tools.

The light made them flinch, and I hushed them, rubbing circles on their hand.

"You are doing so well. I see you have quite a lot of restorative work. Calum, could you walk me through that?"

"They had 2 teeth removed, a couple of root canals, and then a few teeth re built because they had trauma to them,"

"Awake?"