The phone rang early on a Monday morning, pulling Ethan from a deep sleep. He reached blind across the bed, fingers finding the screen. Alex mumbled something sleepy beside him, arm tightening around Ethan's waist.
Unknown number. Ethan answered quiet. "Dr. Hayes speaking."
A woman's voice came fast and upset. "Doctor Hayes? This is Sarah Miller. I had implants done with you six months ago...the front two teeth. One just broke while I was eating breakfast. It's completely loose!"
Ethan sat up quick, mind switching to work mode. "Sarah, calm down. Tell me exactly what happened."
She explained...bit into soft toast, felt a crack, now the crown was wobbling bad. Pain low, but panic high. She was a news anchor...on air every morning...needed her smile perfect.
"I'll come in now," Ethan said firm. "Clinic opens at eight. Be there."
He hung up, rubbed his eyes. Alex watched him, hair messy, concern in his brown eyes.
"Emergency?" Alex asked soft.
