Guardian's Heart

Check Up

As Damian leads Leni into Dr. Henry's pediatric office, she clings to his hand, her little face set in a worried frown. The room is brightly lit and filled with colorful posters, but none of it seems to soothe her nervousness. Damian glances at her with a reassuring smile, though he can tell she's quite anxious.

Dr. Henry, a kind-faced pediatrician in his mid-30s, greets them with a warm smile. "Hello, Leni! It's good to see you today. Let's make sure you're feeling your best."

Leni's eyes widen as she takes in the sight of the stethoscope and other medical tools. She hides behind Damian's legs, her voice trembling. "I'm scared, Daddy."

Damian kneels beside her, gently rubbing her back. "I know, sweetheart. But remember, no shots today, just a check-up to see how you're doing."

Henry, noticing her distress, tries to ease her fears. "That's right, Leni. No needles today. We're just going to make sure everything is okay with you, and I'll be very gentle."

Damian helps Leni onto the exam table, her small frame shivering slightly. Henry begins by taking her vitals. He places a warm stethoscope on her chest and back, listening carefully as Leni takes deep, shaky breaths. "Big breaths for me, Leni," Henry encourages softly.

Leni's breath catches in her throat as she tries to comply, her eyes darting nervously between Henry and Damian. Her eyes are wide and teary, but she manages to follow his instructions, her small hands gripping the edges of the table.

After checking her vitals, Henry dons a new pair of gloves, their crisp snap startling Leni. He approaches with a calm demeanor, knowing the next step might be uncomfortable for her. "Next, Leni, I'm going to take a quick look inside your nose. I need you to be very still, okay?"

Leni's face falls as she sees the nose speculum. "It's sore, Daddy!" she protests, rubbing her nose with her hand.

Damian kneels beside her, gently holding her hand. "I know it's uncomfortable, Leni. Dr. Henry just needs to look inside to make sure everything is alright. I'll be right here with you."

Henry adjusts the nose speculum and carefully inserts it into Leni's nostril. He holds her chin gently but firmly to keep her still. "Just a moment, Leni. I'm going to take a quick look."

Leni whimpers as Henry examines her nasal passages, her eyes watering as the speculum feels cold and uncomfortable. "It hurts, Dr. Henry!" she cries, squirming in Damian's lap.

Henry's voice is soothing as he finishes the examination. "I know it's not pleasant, but it's over now. You did great."

Damian wraps his arms around her, comforting her as Henry removes the speculum. "See? All done. You were so brave."

Henry checks Leni's chart and then looks at Damian. "Given the sneezing and discomfort she's been experiencing, I think it's a good idea to do an allergy test to determine what might be triggering her symptoms. We'll start with a skin test."

Leni's eyes widen in fear again. "What's a skin test?" she asks, her voice quivering.

"It's just a few tiny scratches on your arm," Henry explains, pulling out the necessary supplies. "I'll put a tiny amount of different allergens on your skin and make very small scratches to see if your skin reacts. It might feel a bit itchy, but it's quick."

Leni's lower lip trembles as she watches Henry prepare the test. "No! I don't want scratches!" she wails, pulling at Damian's shirt.

Damian holds her gently, rubbing her back. "Leni, it's important to find out what's making you sneeze so much. It will help us make you feel better. I promise it will be over quickly."

Henry wears a new pair of gloves and gently places the allergens on Leni's forearm. Each scratch is made with the utmost care, but Leni still whimpers and squirms with each tiny scratch. "It's okay, Leni. It's just a tiny scratch, and we're almost done."

Leni cries softly, tears rolling down her cheeks as the discomfort from the scratches sets in. Damian strokes her hair, trying to distract her. "You're doing so well, sweetheart. Just a little more, and then we can go home."

After the scratches are made, Henry sets up a timer to check for reactions. Leni's arm is covered with a soft bandage to keep the allergens in place.

While they wait for the test results, Henry hands Damian a small bottle of nasal spray and a vial of liquid medicine. "These should help with her symptoms. The nasal spray will help with the congestion, and the liquid medicine will ease her discomfort."

Damian takes the medicine, looking at Leni with a gentle smile. "Okay, sweetheart, let's get you feeling better. The nasal spray might feel a bit strange, but it will help your nose feel less stuffy."

Leni takes the nasal spray with some reluctance. She winces as Damian administers it, the cool liquid making her eyes water. "It's icky, Daddy," she complains.

"I know, honey, but it will help you breathe easier," Damian says, gently rubbing her back. "And this medicine will help you feel better soon."

Leni takes the liquid medicine next, scrunching her nose at the taste. "It's yucky!" she cries, but she swallows it quickly with Damian's encouragement.

"Good job, Leni. You're such a brave girl," Damian praises, lifting her into a hug. "We're done here, and we'll be home soon where you can rest and get cozy."

As they leave the office, Damian holds Leni close, her head resting on his shoulder. Though she's still a bit whiny, she seems comforted by his presence, and the promise of going home brings a small smile to her face.