I wrote a couple roughed-out flash stories for https://queerscifi.com/flash-contest-rules/ and then chose the one I thought was the strongest for submission, but that left me with stories without a home. This is one of them. Only roughed out, meaning it hasn't been heavily edited, but still has a core idea in it. Plus, it is a free ficlet, and that's a good thing. Enjoy!
Wisdom at a Price
"I have some bad news."
Kayden flicked her eyes to the white smock of Dr. Sheed. A smudge of yellow-green marred the otherwise immaculate fabric, testament that Dr. Sheed had been poking and prodding around Kayden's mouth earlier.
"They're impacted."
Kayden stifled the impulse to let her hand fly to her face. Touching would hurt too much. Her jaw had ached and throbbed for weeks before she'd finally gotten enough together to afford this visit. She'd have to put her surgery on her credit card and get a bank loan to pay it off.
"Only two of them," Dr. Sheed continued. "But you already have an infection setting in."
"It's early, though, right?" Kayden's voice trembled. She'd feared this the most. Most antibiotics had stopped working five years ago. Of the few that still worked, they were reserved for important people like politicians. The other technologies, like phage therapy and targeted liposome strategy, were expensive. Even with a bank loan, Kayden couldn't afford them.
"I can get you in as early as tomorrow afternoon. The earlier the better. We have amazing advances now in terms of completely sterile surgery since we use a robotic extraction method. I can try debriding the area, but the infection is a concern. With the teeth removed, your chances will be better."
Kayden thought of Penelope. Would she go bankrupt if Kayden died before she'd repaid the loan? Could Kayden really allow that?
"Thanks, Doctor. I need to consider it. I'll let you know."
