The Perceptible

 It’s his turn at the dentist’s. He has tried hard to put it off for as long as possible. At last he had to give in when his partner said, “Either a visit to the dentist or no more kissing”. “Harsh’’, he mutters under his breath, but wisely chooses to honour the appointment. 

‘‘I’m sorry I’m a bit queasy about the dental treatment’’, he tells the young dentist as he lies down on the treatment chair. 

“No worries Sir. Quite a few are squeamish to visit a dentist. You’re not the only one’’, she says as she offers him a mouthwash to rinse before the treatment. 

The treatment gets stopped repeatedly as he raises his hand to spit, to rinse, and generally take a break from the ordeal. He notices the dentist isn’t annoyed. 

‘‘I guess I’m one of your most difficult patients’’. 

‘‘There are far worse ones”. 

“Really? I may want to see one, just to feel better. But that already gives me the heebie-jeebies”. 

 She smiles, and says, “Now, you remind me of my father”.

He feels both relieved and peeved. Disappointed that he’s identified as old. Yet he keeps the conversation going between the breaks while she scales away his teeth. 

“Why do I remind you of your father?”

“He hates doctors, hospitals, and especially dentists. He says, ‘it’s the very thought of pain that pains me’.  And, I guess it’s true in your case too!’’

‘Oh wow! How did you know?’

‘I just have to ask you to open your mouth for you to curl your toes and clench your fists’. 

He’s dismayed that he is so obvious. To cover it, he says, ‘may be your father and I would make good friends’. She nods sagely. 

#talltales 

#shorts