The Shot
The first sensation Wander had on waking was a hand stroking the back of his head. The skilled fingers soothed away the nightmares that plagued him, and he smiled as he rubbed his burning cheek against cool fur.
"...And, there we are. Just hold him still…"
The second sensation Wander became aware of was a hot sting to the left cheek of his bottom. He whimpered and struggled weakly against the firm arms holding him down.
"Grop it all! You said he wouldn't feel it!" Sylvia's voice jolted through his pain. "Stupid quack doctor, poking people for no good reason…"
"…Fever high…necessary…"
"Necessary, my a-!"
"-Almost done…"
The sharp pain faded as the needle withdrew, and gentle fingers rubbed at the dull throb that remained.
"Don't worry, Wander," Sylvia crooned above him. "You'll feel better with some meds in your system. Then I'll get you the grop away from these sterile dimwits."
He buried his face in her leg with a sigh as her hand soothed him into sleep again.