There I was, a capable adult who usually has things under control, suddenly thrown off by a dental chair and the faint sound of a drill. Instead of logic, my mind served up a highlight reel of old horror stories, and my sense of calm quickly disappeared.
Right when I considered leaving, I shifted perspective. If no reassuring adult was going to show up, I would take on that role myself.
So I became my own tooth fairy. Not a magical creature, but a practical, slightly sarcastic version of me who made it clear that I would get through this and that a reward would be waiting afterward.
That small shift changed things. The situation felt less like a threat and more like something manageable.
By the time my name was called, I was not fearless, but steady enough. And yes, the reward afterward was already decided.
Maybe that is the trick in moments like these. Meeting yourself in a way that makes things a little easier.