PART 2: “YOUR DAUGHTER ISN’T AFRAID OF THE DENTIST… SHE’S AFRAID OF HIM.”
Dr. Harris kept talking to Lily in that same calm, practiced voice dentists use with children.
But something had changed.
I saw it the moment he leaned closer to examine her mouth.
His expression froze.
Just for half a second.
Then his eyes flicked toward Daniel.
Not casually.
Carefully.
Like a man recognizing something he wished he hadn’t.
“Does this tooth hurt here?” Dr. Harris asked gently, tapping near the back molar.
Lily flinched violently.
Not from pain.
From fear.
Daniel moved immediately.
“She’s always dramatic about doctors,” he said with a chuckle.
Too fast.
Too rehearsed.
Dr. Harris didn’t laugh.
Instead, he adjusted the overhead light and said something strange.
“Lily, sweetheart… can you open a little wider for me?”
She obeyed silently.
Then Dr. Harris went completely still.
His gloved hand paused inside her mouth.
I watched his eyes narrow slightly as he examined the inside of her cheek.
Then he slowly removed his tools.
“How long has she had this injury?” he asked.
“Injury?” I repeated.
Daniel answered first.
“She bites her cheeks when she sleeps.”
Dr. Harris looked at him again.
This time longer.
Too long.
Then he smiled politely.
“I’d like to take an X-ray.”
Daniel crossed his arms immediately.
