The phone rang and I answered, "Hello." The voice on the other end asks, " May I speak to Mr. Bush please" I replied, "This is he." The calm and melodic voice proceeds to remind me of my 4:00 p.m. dental appointment. The bottom of my stomach dropped to my knees and beads of perspiration dampened my brow. I replied in a low groan " Yes Ma'am I will be there." I hung the receiver of the phone on the cradle with a heavy sigh. I have a lifelong dreaded fear of a trip to the dentist.
             I entered the building almost dragging my heels as I walked over to the elevator, pushed the up button and looked down at the unconscious tapping of my foot. The elevator door promptly opens, as I stepped onto the floor of the elevator. I pushed the button and watch as the door slowly closes sealing my fate. The elevator ascends to the second floor. I once again feel the cool clamminess coat my hands and forehead. I walked slowly towards the door of the office staring at the name, Dr. Vornholt, DDS. Reaching for the doorknob inhaling a deep breath as if it were my last, I can smell the mixture of wintergreen- flavored toothpaste and bleach. When I open the outer door a blast of cool air from the air conditioner hits me in the face, making me shiver all over. I walked in and added my name to the list on the sign-in sheet. Behind the white frosted sliding glass window I saw the silhouette of a woman. The door slid open and the gray-haired woman seated at the desk flashed a smile. As she gazed at the patient list she said, "Mr. Bush, the doctor will be with you shortly."
             I find a seat and flip thru a magazine not really reading it. I noticed the shallow quick breaths that I take. The faint sounds of the dental drill resonate from recesses of the inner office. My mind dances with images of a Dr. Jekyll type form bent over a dental chair with a Black and Decker drill in hand. The p...