First Lost Tooth

After flipping through another two or so pages, House stopped Ariel at a picture of a banged-up Ginger with a single missing tooth.

"Okay, I've got to know this story," he said.

Ariel just nodded before beginning.

It was the summer before she turned seven. Ginger had learned to ride her bike without training wheels not long ago and was zooming all around the backyard.

My parents were over, and we were sitting outside, close to the house just catching up.

Ginger had started to try some tricks, I guess. She had somehow figured out how to do a wheelie, and jump. She was also doing things like standing up, or putting her feet on the handlebars, or no hands or something.

We were positive she was your child, the way she was always doing dangerous things. I'd call out once in a while for her to be careful, but never looked. I knew it would not be good if I watched her.

My parents were definitely amused by her energy, and how daring she was. I remember they kept telling me how I wouldn't take the training wheels off till I was eight, and I didn't attempt any "tricks" until twelve.

Anyway, we were getting a bit thirsty, so I went inside to get some cold lemonade for everyone. I had set out four glasses, and was just starting to pour the drink into them when I heard an "Ow!"

I quickly set down the pitcher and rushed outside to Ginger. She was lying on her stomach on the ground with the bike on top of her.

I ran over and pulled that bicycle off, and helped her sit up. My parents had rushed over as well, to see if she was alright. It was as I was brushing dirt off her face when I realized she was looking down at her hand.

I looked down as well, asking if she hurt it. She shook her head. I remember I asked her what she was staring at then.

She looked up at me and opened her hand. A tooth was lying on her palm. There was some blood as well. I remember I looked up at her and said, "I didn't know you had a loose tooth!"

She smiled at me, the gap showing, and said, "Neither did I."

When Ariel finished her story, House said, "I can't believe it!"

"I know, I took her to the dentist to be su-" Ariel started saying before House continued.

"She figured out all those tricks on her own that quickly? Amazing!"