A tooth's life is truly ordinary, and quite uneventful. The darkness that surrounds it is something it knows intimately. Rarely, will it see the light of day. Though it can hope to have its world turn out differently.
In Root Canal, we join a tooth whom has lived its entire life surrounded by that darkness. Its life is the same, day in and day out. It shares space with others of its kind, along with a warm pink tongue, and a generous cheek to keep it cozy. In its mind, its living the high life. Yet everything changes when its beloved owner changes things up, and introduces it to a whole new environment.
Acidic drinks, sugary sweets, and salty foods - there's a myriad of items that can take away from a tooth's life. The ensuing cavities are a nightmare, and the pain that follows can be never-ending. A tooth can only hope that the person taking care of it will be more lenient. That he or she will wisen up, and make its life better. Sometimes, for some, unfortunately, that is a possibility that may never happen.
When a trip to the dentist becomes a necessity, a tooth's life takes a drastic turn. It begins to think about the endless possibilities that come from such endeavors. Will the tooth continue to exist? Will it be sent to tooth heaven? Will the pain ever go away? Those questions and more filter through a tooth's mind. Granted, they might be inanimate, but they provide us with a means of enjoying the foods we eat. Sometimes, saving one is the only way to go, even if you have to endure the pain of doing so in the process.
This was such a delightful short story. I enjoyed it immensely. Sharon has done a wonderful job in depicting the life of a tooth as it struggles to survive amidst the 'atrocities' committed against it by its beloved owner. We can feel its angst as it tries to understand why its owner isn't more caring of him and his brothers/sisters, as well as feel its happiness when its life is spared, to some extent.
She's spun a wonderful tale about everyday happenings when it comes to taking care of your teeth and going to the dentist. To see the tooth tell its story in such a warm and insightful way is quite refreshing. It really is. Sharon has a way with words that draws you in from the very beginning. I look forward to more of what she has coming her way in the future.
(reviewed the day of purchase)