Morning light slipped through the Hollow Wood, and Pip woke up with a wobbly feeling. Today was the day of Pip’s first trip to the dentist.
Pip: “I don't know what a dentist does. I'm not sure I'll like it.”
Bramble padded in and said softly, “A wobbly feeling is allowed, Pip. Would a friend help?”
Pip: “Yes please, Bramble.”
Bramble and Pip walked the mossy path together, counting acorns along the way.
Hazel: “Pip! I went to the dentist last spring. The chair goes up and down like a slow swing.”
Pip: “Up and down? That does sound a little bit fun.”
Bramble smiled. “New things often feel smaller once a friend explains them.”
Under the wide oak, Old Oakley was waiting, feathers as warm and ruffled as a blanket.
Old Oakley: “A dentist is a helper who looks after teeth, Pip. A little mirror, a gentle count, and a kind voice. The dentist tells you every step before it happens. And if you need a little break, you can raise your hand.”
Pip: “So the dentist just looks?”
Old Oakley: “Looks, counts, sometimes gives your teeth a tickly polish — and always says well done.”
The dentist room smelled of mint. The chair rose slowly, just as Hazel promised.
Pip: “Bramble, stay close?”
Bramble: “Right beside the chair,” said Bramble, resting a paw on the armrest.”
The little mirror tapped gently. One, two, three, all the way to the very back tooth, while Pip kept a wide open mouth and counted along inside. Once, Pip raised a paw for a little break, and the dentist waited kindly.
Bramble: “All done,” said the dentist. “Beautifully brushed, Pip.”
Pip: “That was much smaller than the wobbly feeling.”
Bramble and Pip walked home through golden light, with a new sticker and a very proud smile. “Being brave doesn't mean you're not scared,” said Bramble. “It means you go anyway.”
And in the Hollow Wood the evening settled soft and quiet, and Pip slept well.