(...)
"Ayumi, Ayumi."
Hearing the call from who knew where, Yoshida Ayumi yawned and sleepily opened her eyes.
Doctor Sawaki's face appeared before her. The gentle female doctor had already cleaned up the Operating Room and changed into casual clothes. She had not forgotten her earlier promise to the young patient and pointed at the television. "Kamen Rider is starting."
"Wow!" Yoshida Ayumi sat bolt upright, just in time to see the familiar Kamen Rider opening song on tv.
Her eyes curved into happy crescents. "That's great!"
When she had learned that her tooth would be pulled at 6:30 p.m., she had thought she would definitely miss Kamen Rider, which started at 7:30. But Doctor Sawaki had been so skillful and quick that she had actually made it in time.
Yoshida Ayumi sat on the sofa and watched happily.
Just then, several pills and a cup of water were handed to her.
"These are anti-inflammatory and painkillers," Doctor Sawaki said gently. "You didn't feel any pain just now because of the anesthetic. Once it wears off, your tooth will probably start hurting—so we need to take the painkillers before that happens."
Yoshida Ayumi did not want to take medicine, but she was even more afraid of pain. Hearing that, she hurriedly took the water cup and pills and obediently swallowed them.
"Good girl." doctor Sawaki patted her head and took the empty cup. "Keep watching. I'll take you home once it's over."
Yoshida Ayumi nodded happily. "Mm!"
The door clicked shut, and Doctor Sawaki left the room.
Watching Kamen Rider stylishly deliver a flying kick on tv, Yoshida Ayumi suddenly remembered something. She felt around in her pocket and pulled out a Playing Card printed with Kamen Rider.
"I almost forgot my lucky charm!" Yoshida Ayumi smiled at the card.