Chapter 2 – The Discovery
Chapter 2 – The Discovery
The room fell silent.
Toby lowered his head again, too exhausted to speak.
His mother frowned impatiently.
"Well?"
"Is it just an infected tooth or not?"
I kept my voice calm.
"I need the attending physician to see him immediately."
She sighed dramatically.
"This is ridiculous."
"I told you it's a toothache."
I ignored the complaint and stepped into the hallway.
"Dr. Patel," I called.
"I need you in Triage Three. Right now."
He saw my expression and didn't ask questions.
Within seconds, he was examining Toby.
The moment he looked inside the boy's mouth, his face changed.
"Order blood work."
"CT scan of the neck and jaw."
"Start IV access."
He turned to Toby's mother.
"Your son is not going home tonight."
She crossed her arms.
"You're overreacting."
Dr. Patel looked at her steadily.
"The swelling isn't just around a tooth."
"The infection appears to be spreading deep into the tissues of his jaw and neck."
"If that's confirmed, it can become life-threatening."
For the first time, the woman stopped arguing.
The CT scan confirmed everyone's fears.
A severe dental infection had spread into the surrounding soft tissues, forming a large abscess that required urgent treatment.
The infection had also begun to affect nearby structures, increasing the risk of serious complications if left untreated.
Toby was admitted immediately.
As doctors prepared him for surgery, he quietly reached for my hand.
"Am I going to be okay?"
I smiled gently.
"You're in the right place now."
"You've been very brave."
May you like
He nodded.
It was the first time that evening he looked even slightly relieved.
