Gary told himself it was just bad luck.

Some people healed faster than others. Some infections lingered. None of this meant he’d done anything wrong. That was the story he repeated until it felt solid enough to lean on.

He ignored follow-up messages. Let frustration harden into distance. The pain ebbed and flowed, never quite resolving, never escalating enough to force immediate action.

This middle ground was dangerous.

When he finally did return to the clinic, the atmosphere had changed. Still professional. Less patient.

“You can’t keep doing this halfway,” she said.

Gary bristled. “I’m trying.”

“Trying isn’t the same as following instructions,” she replied.

The words stuck.

He left feeling defensive, jaw aching, ego bruised. This was no longer just about the tooth. It was about control. About being told what to do and resenting it.

Now the path split again. He could crawl back, accept responsibility, and re-enter the process humbled. Or he could reject the whole thing, deciding he’d handle it himself and be done with it.

Crawl back responsibly and reset → Page 66

Go fully solo and take matters into your own hands → Page 88