Right, at fortyfour Ill have to turn my life upside down, Ethel thought as she packed her belongings into a suitcase. Ill tell my son when Im settled in a new place. Its a comfort that my mother is still alive, though it hurts that my father died young. He was a dentist, and I followed his footsteps.
Ethels marriage to Arthur had ended without drama; Arthur was ready to part because Ethel had warned him repeatedly:
Give up your gambling, or Ill leave you. Im tired of supporting you.
Arthur swore he would quit the habit, yet he never managed to. After twentytwo years together, ten of those were spent under the same unhealthy routine. The debts he accrued were initially covered by Ethel.
My dear, please dont divorce Arthur, begged his mother, hoping he might someday abandon his betting. Im exhausted from giving him money. I cant even save for a rainy day.
Enough, Ethel replied one evening. Ive filed for divorce and Im telling you now so it wont catch you off guard later.
Ethel, where will you go? How will you live? Arthurs flat is his, he wont leave it, her mother pressed.
Im moving to another town permanently, and I wont say whereArthur could still haunt me there. Ive quit my job; dentists are needed everywhere, so I wont disappear. Ive always dreamed of opening my own practice, but I cant raise the capital while my husband loses it all
She returned to her mothers large, familiar house in Manchester. After university, she had planned to come back immediately, but marriage to Arthur kept her there; he refused to move, especially since he already owned a twobedroom flat inherited from his grandmother.
Hello, Mum, Ethel said, hugging her mother tightly. Im here for good, just as I promised.
Good for you, love. Ive been telling you you still have a whole life ahead. Nigel will understand; hes grown up and studying at university, her mother, a retired nurse, beamed.
The next morning Ethel asked, Is Dr. Harold still practising, or has he retired?
Harold runs a private dental clinic now. He no longer treats patients himself; he manages the practice. Ive spoken to him and hes willing to take you on. I mentioned you were moving here permanently.
Thanks, Mum. Youre always on the ball. My dads old friend has always looked out for us. I met him once on holiday and he said I could rely on him. Ill pay him a visit today.
Two years into her new job as a dentist, Ethel had settled into her city, her clinic, and her own patients. Nigel visited for the holidays, bringing joy to both his mother and grandmother. He still lived with his father, never moving out.
After finishing with a patient, Ethel turned to the nurse, Xenia, and said, Call the next one, please.
Please, come in, Xenia announced from the waiting area.
A middleaged man entered, unfamiliar to Ethel. She noted silently that he was a firsttime visitor.
Did he book by accident, or was he recommended? she wondered, gesturing to the chair.
He settled into the dental chair, his expression calm and unreadable.
Open your mouth, Ethel instructed, then examined. Upper right third molar has decay, needs extraction.
Proceed, please, the man replied shortly.
Xenia, fetch the local anaesthetic, Ethel ordered. She turned back to him. Ill give you an injection; you wont feel anything.
No injection, please, he snapped.
What do you mean, no? Ethel asked, taken aback.
Just treat it without the needle, he said.
Ethel thought, Either hes a robot or a masochist who enjoys pain. She shrugged and switched on the drill.
The man didnt flinch as she worked. After the extraction, she asked gently, Did it hurt?
No, he replied coolly, though Ethel knew the procedure was painful.
Ill see you in two days for the filling, he said as he rose, while Xenia watched him with interest.
What a tough bloke, Xenia muttered as the door closed. Hes brave, skipping the injection.
Ethel replied, Hes just pretending. If youre scared, admit it. Theres no point putting on a tough front.
Ethel, I think hes fallen for you, Xenia whispered with a grin. Hes looking at you not as a dentist but as a woman.
Ethel laughed, Youve let your imagination run away, Xenia.
No, Ive been watching. I feel hell ask you out soon.
The patients name? Ethel asked. His name is Percy, and he has no chance with me, honestly.
Why? Xenia asked, slightly disappointed.
Because Im attracted to sincere, feeling men, not ironclad terminators, Ethel replied.
On his scheduled return, Percy arrived right at closing time. Xenia greeted him as an old acquaintance.
Come in, Percy Antons.
Ethels greeting was brief. Good afternoon. Please have a seat. Well fit a filling today.
The extraction took longer than usual, yet Percy endured patiently.
Was it painful? Ethel asked again.
No, he answered shortly.
Probably youre lying, she thought, preparing the composite.
When the filling was done, Percy stood, looked directly into Ethels eyes and said, Thank you. I think today Im your last patient. I can drive you home if youd like.
No, thank you, Ill manage on my own. Shall I book you for removal?
Yes, please.
Do we have any slots on Saturday?
Xenia flipped through the diary. Theres a nineoclock opening; everything else is booked.
Nine works for me, see you then, Percy confirmed.
Ethel loved Saturday mornings at work. The bus routes were clear, no rushhour traffic, and the clinic was quiet. She unlocked her treatment room, changed into a fresh white coat, brewed a cup of tea, and settled by the window.
She sipped her tea, watching Percy pace outside. He shuffled, sat on a bench, then stood again, his nervousness evident.
What could have changed him? Ethel mused, noticing his unease.
She set her cup away, opened the window and called, Percy, you may come in!
Is it really nine yet? he asked, startled.
Does it matter? Were both here, she replied, smiling and shutting the window.
Percy entered, blushing. Im not quite ready yet, he admitted.
Not ready? Ethel repeated, surprised.
Im scared, he said, I actually dread dentists, which is why I brace myself before each visit.
I didnt get why you refused the injection then, Ethel said.
Its not the drill; its the needle that terrifies me more, he confessed.
Everyone fears needles to some degree, Ethel responded calmly. Ill be gentle; itll be almost painless.
She gave him the local anaesthetic, then smiled warmly at his pale face. The procedure went quickly and smoothly.
The following Monday, Percy strolled past the clinic carrying a large bouquet of roses, checking his watch. Colleagues glanced curiously at the unexpected gift.
Ethel approached with a smile. Percy handed her the flowers.
Good morning, these are for you. Turns out the injection wasnt painful after all. Im feeling fine. Thank you, and perhaps we could have dinner together if youre willing? he said, his tone as steady as during their first meeting.
Id like that, Ethel replied, her cheeks flushing with a genuine smile.
Well arrange a time; I have your number, she said, and they parted.
The evening was delightful, and Ethel realized Xenia had been rightPercy was indeed a kind, emotionally open man. She thought about the twists her life had taken and understood that sometimes the hardest battles are fought within ourselves. Letting go of old burdens and facing fears can open doors to unexpected happiness, proving that courage isnt the absence of fear but the decision to move forward despite it.
