Memories on the Fridge

I’m no older than 3 in this photo

Standing in the waiting room 

Before my first dentist appointment

The sound of drills whirring in the back

Only fueled my fear of the unknown

(Something my little kid brain

Could never comprehend)

My back is turned to the 

Colorful playing blocks in the back 

Meant to keep kids occupied 

I’m wearing my favorite backpack

(The only reason my mom could drag me out of the house)

Black and red with a lady bug’s smiling face

My eyes well up

On the verge of a torrent of tears

Face flushed red from panic

But crouched next to me is my brother

Around 7 years old 

Flashing his best smile for the picture

My mom behind the camera

Telling us both to smile

(Which never happened)

After 30 excruciatingly long minutes

Of sitting still in the dentist chair,

I’m finally released

Unsure if my teeth are still there

But it wasn’t so bad

A nurse hands me a lollipop 

While telling me to avoid cavities 

(A bit contradicting, no?)

Now this photo

Sits in all its glory 

On the fridge

Next to a photo 12 years later

My brother and me in front of Osaka Aquarium

Exploring a new country together

Unafraid of the unkown

And this time

Both of us are smiling