Leo stayed in the waiting room, counting ceiling tiles.
“Maria Torres?” The dentist, a young woman with tired eyes, waved her in. ontario works dental coverage
Her son, Leo, aged seven, swung his legs on the plastic chair beside her. “Mom, does it hurt?” Leo stayed in the waiting room, counting ceiling tiles
The waiting room smelled like damp wool and lemon disinfectant. Maria clutched her jaw, a low, constant throb radiating from her back molar. She hadn’t smiled properly in three weeks. Leo stayed in the waiting room
She nodded, tears prickling—from pain or defeat, she wasn’t sure. On the bus home, she saw a billboard for a private dental clinic: Smile with confidence. Payment plans available.
The next morning, she applied for a job at a call center. No face-to-face. No smiles required.