𝐔𝐩 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝙎𝙊𝙎𝙎 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙨

Needles and Nerves

It was a bright and sunny Monday, the year 2024. Sulphur Springs High School was in session during 4th period. Griffin Campbell and Harper Dunn were attending Mrs. Shades' History class with their peers--11th graders who were working diligently on their laptops.This week was particularly important for the students since it marked Homecoming dance time; thus, everyone was making sure to keep up their grades so they could join in the festivities. For Harper, however, there was an even bigger event ahead: a major dance competition and convention known as HUSTLE.

The strict standards of HUSTLE required all dancers to acquire a physical before participating. Harper was fortunate to have already done so two months prior, but the physicians identified a further need they only shared with Mrs. Dunn. It was finally time for her to handle the issue today. In that moment, the classroom phone trilled and Mrs. Shades quickly answered it, her demeanor indicating someone would be leaving soon. All eyes were trained on her as she listened intently.

"Thank you!" She exclaimed, before putting down the phone

"Harper? Griffin?"

The couple looked at her

"You're checking out for the day" Mrs. Shades smiled, before returning back to her state

Griffin and Harper glanced at one another, then began packing their items. They both realized the significance of the day: Harper was scheduled to receive her high school vaccinations. Griffin and Harper collected their belongings; Harper was wearing her The North Face backpack, and Griffin a Nike one. Griffin picked up his sporting bag as well as Harper's, and they proceeded on foot.

The class waved goodbye, and they waved back

"Bye, Mrs. Shades," Griffin and Harper said, with a smile (kinda forced for Harper)

"Bye, Darlings" She waved, as they left her classroom

...

Harper expressed their reluctance as they walked down the hallway, hand in hand, stating, "I don't want to get the shots, Griffin."

"I know, Harps, but it's better to get them done"

"Besides, I'll be there with you the whole time" Griffin reassured

Really and truly, Griffin didn't have to come, but Mrs. Dunn requested it. She knew that Griffin could calm Harper down in a minute.

"Do you promise, Griffey?" Harper asked, giving his hand a squeeze

"I promise" He squeezed her hand back. She smiled.

Griffin and Harper walked down the hallway, and to the front office.

"Harper!" "Griffin!" The moms said, before hugging their teenager. Griffin and Sarah did pull away, but Harper hugged her mom a little longer.

"My baby" Jess whispered before they both pulled away

"Have a wonderful day, you guys!" The lady behind the desk said

"Thank you" Sarah spoke, before the 4 of them walked out the office doors, and out of the school.

As they walked to their cars, Harper looked down the whole time, she started fiddling with her fingers. Sarah noticed.

"Are you nervous, Honey?" Sarah spoke up

Harper nodded

"Aww" Griffin bummed, before kissing her hand

"It will be ok, Babe" Jess reassured

But will it, Mrs. Dunn?

---------

The Campbells and Dunns eventually departed from the high school and made their way over to Sulphur Springs Pediatrics. As they proceeded on their journey, Harper was visibly distressed; it was apparent to all who knew her that Harper had Trypanophobia, a fear of needles. Once they arrived at the medical practice, the two families parked their vehicles beside each other and then entered the building.