This morning Kniza plays doctor first. "Don't worry, Teddy — check-up time." The toy stethoscope listens to Teddy's soft tummy, very carefully. Teddy is a very good patient.
The waiting room has a big fish tank. Blub, blub go the shiny bubbles — Kniza can't look away. One little orange fish wiggles right up to say hello.
"Hello there!" smiles the doctor. Kniza stands very straight beside the tall giraffe chart — heels together, chin up. Wow, taller than last time again! Even the giraffe looks impressed.
The stethoscope is a little cool on the chest. Kniza sits very, very still and listens. Thump, thump, thump — what a lovely sound a heart makes!
"Open wide — ahhh!" A little light peeks into Kniza's mouth, then into each ear. Throat and ears, all checked! Easy-peasy — that wasn't scary at all.
"Now, one little vaccine." Whoosh — Kniza's hands hide behind the back, quick as bunnies. No peeking at the needle! The doctor kneels down close with the gentlest smile.
"Let's count together — one, two, three!" Kniza squeezes both eyes shut tight. A tiny pinch, like a mosquito kiss... and that's it. Wait — all done already?!
"So brave!" says the doctor, and presses a shiny star sticker onto Kniza's yellow sweater. It sparkles like a tiny gold medal. Kniza's chest puffs up, big and proud.
Before going home, Kniza hurries back to the fish tank. "Little fish, guess what — I didn't even cry!" The fish blow proud little bubbles, blub, blub.
That night, Teddy gets a brave-shot too. "One, two, three — all done! Good job, Teddy!" Kniza sticks a paper star on Teddy's tummy, right where a brave heart beats.