🎧: ✅
🕶️: ✅
💭: None
😰: 40%

Both the boys enter Henry's truck, and neither of them talks to the other on the trip there. While Henry concentrated on the road, Xander stared out the left window, watching vehicles zooming by them, people walking on the street, and kids playing outdoor basketball. He knows he can play basketball, but he just can't react and process everything at one time, especially without his friends accommodating him.

Xander tries to think of whom to call for some medical assistance, and he can only think of one person.

Xander: Mario, come!

I-Mario sits to the right of him and to the left of his backpack. I-Mario gave a joyous smile and closed his eyes for a moment, happy to see him.

I-Mario: I'm-a here, Xander.

Xander: I'm going to the doctor's.

I-Mario's eyebrows spread out and frown.

I-Mario: Oh? Are-a you ok?

😰: ⬇ 30%

Xander: I am; I'm pretty sure it's just for a checkup.

I-Mario's smile grew so large that his teeth showed under his curvy moustache.

I-Mario: That's-a good to hear!

Xander: Right now, you're the only one I can think of with any medical expertise.

I-Mario: Oh, you're probably looking for-a Dr. Mario, eh?

Xander: Well, I-

Before Xander could finish that sentence, I-Mario suddenly changed into his Dr. Mario attire.

Xander: How did you-

I-Mario: I know you haven't-a played-a Dr. Mario, Xander, but I-a know that-a you know what he-a looks like.

For a few seconds, Xander struggles to come up with something to say.

Xander: I guess it fits the occasion. Are you a professional?

I-Mario: Nope! Don't even have a license.

I-Mario told him this, still wearing a smile on his face.

Xander: Again, you're all I've got right now.

They arrive at the doctor's office, which is located in a hospital. Xander chose to leave his backpack in the truck so he would not have to haul it around. Inside, there is the standard front desk with a receptionist, but there are several more receptionists to the left, on carpeted ground. There is a short wait at the front receptionist's desk, while the other four are all busy with clients.

There are a few wheelchairs to the right, as well as a few posters addressing fundamental health topics such as hand cleaning and eating properly. Xander has never understood why there is carpeted flooring in hospitals, which generally have white and polished hardwood floors with a disinfectant smell. They're so polished, you could eat off them.

Henry chatted with the lady at the front of the desk, who pointed him to the receptionist down the end of the room. As they head to an open spot, I-Mario took in his tall surroundings, having never been here before. Henry sat in the left seat, and Xander in the right. I-Mario simply stood up, gazing about. As Henry and the woman in front of them spoke, Xander lost interest in their conversation.

I-Mario: I don't-a think I've ever-a been here.

Xander: Oh, yeah. You haven't. I guess I never thought of your Dr. Mario form until now. Sorry.

I-Mario: No need to apologize. You know me; I always like exploring the unknown.

Xander: Ain't that the truth. But don't you get anxiety about what could happen?

I-Mario: Despite everything you've-a seen me do, I do get anxiety a lot of the time.

Xander subtly tilts his head at him. I-Mario sighs and briefly covers his face with his head mirror.

I-Mario: Yes, it's-a true. It's usually for the safety of others. However, I am-a trying my-a best to do what is-a right. That, mi paisano, is what courage is.

Xander's head straightened, and he stared at the floor for a while, reflecting on what he had spoken. I-Mario holds his hands out, trying to cheer him up.

😰: ⬇ 20%

I-Mario: Who knows? Maybe even one-a day, you'll-a venture into the unknown as-a well! Like-a the Tipton. You would've never-a met Zack and-a Cody if you-a weren't so-a brave that-a day!

I-Mario notices the little cut on Henry's finger. He points to it.

I-Mario: Hey, Xander, your dad has a small cut on his finger! Check it out!

Xander turns and examines Henry's dry and slightly hairy pointer finger, which, indeed, has a tiny cut on it. One with dried blood inside.

Xander: ... Hey, uh... I notice that you have a cut on your finger.

Henry looks at him, then his finger, then back at the woman, making a nervous smile.

Henry: Kids, huh?

Woman: Oh, don't you know it. Anyway, Dr. Melendez should be with you shortly. He should be waiting on the third floor.

Henry: Thank you.

They've been coming here ever since Xander was a baby; they already know that the children's area is on the third floor; they've been seeing the same doctor since then. Inside the elevator, Xander always enjoyed pressing the plastic domes and experiencing the fluctuating weight of elevators, whether making him taller than he already is or squishing him down. When they entered the elevator, Henry's smile disappeared, and he looked at Xander out of the corner of his eye.

*SMACK*

Henry gave a light yet forceful smack on the back of Xander's head and pointed his finger and waved his arms around aggressively, nearly knocking off Xander's sunglasses.

Henry: Don't you EVER say something like that here! We're in a hospital for God's sake!

😰: ⬆ 90%

I-Mario attempted to counter Henry with threats that he can't hear, narrowing his eyebrows and almost taking off his sterile gloves.

I-Mario: Hey! He didn't-a know any better!

After a few seconds, a subtle tear slid down Xander's cheek, and he hurriedly tried to wipe it away. Luckily, Henry's none the wiser.

Henry: Listen, just let me do all the talking. I don't want you to pull another stunt like that, ok?

Xander shifts his head to the left, trying to force his eyes to focus on the wall, knowing it's a trap. Henry gives him a satisfied smirk.

Henry: Hmm... Good boy. You passed the test.

I-Mario: You know, Xander. Your dad is-a lucky that I'm-a incorporeal; otherwise, it's-a fortunate we're-a already in a hospital!

Xander: ... Well, at least I'm still allowed to speak to you.

When the elevator dings on the third floor, the three of them exit into the waiting room, where they observe four parents and their children playing with the toys laid on the ground, while the parents read the variety of magazines laid out on the tiny table in front of them. There is a mixture of the same disinfectant spray from the bottom floor and some baby powder. However, Xander wasn't sure if it was one of the toddlers or him. He hasn't had a diaper change since lunchtime at school.

Xander desired to sit on the ground and play with the toys, but he declined himself that privilege. I-Mario frowned as he sat on the ground in front of Xander, watching Henry like a rabid dog ready to pounce. Dr. Melendez opened the door to the examination room, calling for them, and Xander fidgeted with his fingers, concerned about what would happen.

Dr. Melendez asked Xander to measure his height and weight before taking off his shoes. He currently weighs 115 pounds and has a height of 5 feet 4 inches. Henry, Dr. Melendez, and I-Mario all took this into account.

Dr. Melendez: Growing boy, huh?

Henry: So he's gained 15 pounds?

Dr. Melendez: It could be because he's getting bigger.

He looks through his clipboard of Xander's previous records and compares them with other children.

Dr. Melendez: I will tell you this, he's a lot taller than other people his age. Usually 12-year-old boys are only 4 foot 9 inches.

I-Mario: Oh, you know that's-a right. One day, he might as-a well be the-a Tower of-a Pisa!

Dr. Melendez glanced at Xander's shorts.

Dr. Melendez: And his... uh, briefs may be adding to the weight as well.

Henry: Oh yeah, I wanted to talk with you about that sometime today.

Xander was about to mention how he hasn't changed his diaper since lunchtime at school, but remained silent.

Dr. Melendez's office was a bit bright, but not too bright. It had the typical things you would find in a doctor's office, like a large table to the left with a paper mat spread across it, a few miniature seats that adults have to squat down in, a sink with medical supplies, and a computer to the right for doctors to use. Dr. Melendez prepares a few tools, including the stethoscope, otoscope, nasal speculum, and a blood pressure monitor.

Dr. Melendez: Alright, Xander, can you sit on the table to the left, please?

Xander hopped up to the chair, trying not to have his diaper leak on it. I-Mario took a little time to climb on there with him. Henry squatted in one of the brown seats. Dr. Melendez applied some light blue gloves not only to help stay sanitary but also just in case he accidentally touches Xander; the rubber from the gloves will nullify the sensory impact. Dr. Melendez checked his ears, nose, and respiration after Xander took off his headphones for the ear part.

Even though he was wearing his sunglasses, the sudden flood of light prompted Xander to pull away and hyperventilate somewhat. The doctor apologized and tried to work with him to make it more predictable, telling him when he would do it after he calmed down a little bit.

😰: ⬆ 100%

After the doctor checked his blood pressure, it measured 145/92. The doctor reassured Xander that the physical portion was done, and now they can discuss other things.

Dr. Melendez: Alright, everything seems normal, but his blood pressure seems to be a bit high.

Henry: It's probably because of his current lifestyle. All he does is sit around the house all day playing video games.

Dr. Melendez: Or it could be from when he panicked when I shined that light in his face earlier.

Henry stayed quiet, crossed his arms, and looked over at the silver sink next to Dr. Melendez after he said that, thinking he may be right.

Dr. Melendez: Speaking of that, how is his anxiety doing recently? Is it getting any better?

Henry uncrossed his arms, leaned forward, and spread his hands over his face.

Henry: I'm afraid it's gotten worse. He can't calm himself on his own and needs someone else's help.

Dr. Melendez decided to delve deeper into Xander's home life.

Dr. Melendez: How is everything at home? Is he having trouble in school?

Henry throws a smile at him.

Henry: Of course everything is fine at home. He's a straight-A student.

I-Mario repeatedly points at Henry and furiously flaps his other hand, attempting to expose him.

I-Mario: No! This guy at home is-a insane!

Dr. Melendez: That's awesome! *To Xander* You should be proud of your achievements.

😰: ⬇ 90%

I-Mario stops and eyes down at his bulbous, dangling brown shoes. Xander does the same.

I-Mario: But at what-a cost?

Dr. Melendez directs his attention to Henry.

Dr. Melendez: So, how is his diet? Is he having plenty of fiber, proteins, and vegetables?

Henry: He won't touch vegetables. Every time I try to get him to try some, he has a major gag reflex. I'm just lucky to be able to get fruit and vegetable juice in him. It's all about the texture.

I-Mario: Good-a thing too, Larry is a cucumber.

Dr. Melendez: Well, as long as there is not a lot of sugar in the juices, then he should be good. Does he drink any milk at all?

Henry: He does. Uh... he drinks white milk with his cereal. And a little bit with his mac & cheese.

Dr. Melendez: Mr. Sullivan, we generally recommend everyone to drink at least 2 servings of milk a day. Not only will this bring vitamin D into his body, but also protein as well.

Henry's eyes slightly closed.

Henry: I-I knew that.

Dr. Melendez scans over Xander again.

Dr. Melendez: However, for Xander, I recommend giving slightly more than 2 servings to accommodate for his height.

The other three just sat there trying to take in information until Henry stood up to help prevent his back from hurting.

Henry: Wouldn't this just cause him to pee more than he already does? I swear, the child uses around 3 diapers at minimum every day.

Dr. Melendez: Here we go again. Well, we want him to stay hydrated, right?

Henry: Of course, the main things that he does drink are water and diet coke.

Dr. Melendez: I see.

Dr. Melendez approaches Xander, telling him to get off the table and take his shorts down. Only to discover behind him that there is a small wet patch on the paper mat and the rear of his silver shorts. Henry gasped and growled at Xander then tried to remain calm in front of the doctor. I-Mario and Dr. Melendez only expressed concern. Xander cocked his head at Henry, wondering whether he had done something wrong.

Henry: Xander. Behind you.

Xander softly gasped and almost spoke, immediately ready to apologize several times, but stopped himself.

Henry: Do you have something you want to say?

Xander refused to talk.

Dr. Melendez: Is something wrong?

Henry: Oh, no, I told him to stay silent. I don't want him saying the wrong thing, you know?

Dr. Melendez: Well, let me reassure you, there are no right or wrong answers here.

😰: ⬇ 75%

Dr. Melendez: Ok, do you have a spare brief and shorts, Xander?

Xander continued not to talk.

Henry: You can speak now.

Xander: ... They're in my backpack.

Henry: And where is your backpack?

😰: ⬆ 100%

Xander: ... I-In the truck.

Henry tried to comfort him, giving him a gentle smile, standing near him.

Henry: Hey, I just asked you a simple question. No need to get anxious over it.

Xander raises an eyebrow and leans back, suspicious of him.

Dr. Melendez: He's correct, Xander. We just want you happy and healthy.

After they performed a couple of breathing techniques with him, Henry set out to get Xander's backpack, and Dr. Melendez showed Xander a handicapped bathroom.

😰: ⬇ 70%

He decided to give Xander some privacy and went back to his office. Before doing so, he gave Xander a gown.

The inside of the bathroom appears to be a cleaner version of a family restroom. It contains one toilet, one sink, and an adult changing table.

I-Mario: This is quite-a possibly the-a cleanest-a bathroom I've-a ever seen!

Xander: I think even Dad would like this bathroom. You know how much of a germophobe he is.

Xander removed his stained shorts and placed them on the floor before checking the cabinets for some changing supplies. Fortunately for Xander, there is baby powder and wipes in there, but the diapers are from a different brand, Friends Diapers, imported from India. After comparing the sizes, he determined that the M size was the best fit for him.

As he laid down on the changing table, Xander noticed how cold and plastic it was. He fluffed the diaper up and noted that they were remarkably identical to the Northshore ones, with the exception that the wetness signal is a yellow line rather than a light-blue heart that vanishes. After that, he got off with the drenched diaper, wrapped it up, and put it in the square, silver trash can. Xander sat on the floor, took his shirt off, and gripped at his chest, ready to let his tears loose. I-Mario noticed this and decided to kneel in front of him.

I-Mario: Are you-a ok? What's-a wrong?

Xander hyperventilated, turning pink, and struggled to speak for longer than usual, despite the fact that he was communicating telepathically.

Xander: W... What's going... to happen to... me when... I return?

I-Mario's jaw slightly opened, and he glanced over at the door for a moment before going to sit down next to Xander, trying to soothe him.

I-Mario: Well... I'm not-a sure what is-a going to-a happen next.

Xander was at a stage where he couldn't communicate at all, not with his tight chest or intensive booger snorting. I-Mario still tried to remain supportive, giving him a concerned smile.

I-Mario: Just-a let it all out, Xander. No one is-a around right now.

😰: ⬇ 50%

Meanwhile in Dr. Melendez's office, Henry tosses Xander's backpack on the table and has a conversation with the doctor, his hands out, face somewhat pink, and voice up high.

Henry: What did I ever do to have such a retarded child?!

Dr. Melendez: Sir, calm down; with all due respect, we tried all the treatments with him. We tried occupational therapy, we tried pills, and we even tried Kegel exercises. None of those are working. Briefs are the best treatment for someone like him.

Henry decided to get up in his face and point at him several times.

Henry: He's fucking 12! Almost 13! A teenager! And this still isn't resolved! There must be another way!

Dr. Melendez leans back, attempting to stay professional with him.

Dr. Melendez: Sir, there are plenty of other children Xander's age that still need to be put in briefs.

Henry took a step back, thinking about what to say next, and nearly stomped his foot on the ground.

Henry: Heh, yeah, maybe for bedwetting, but I just don't want MY child to be one of them.

Dr. Melendez waited for him to throw his man-tantrum, and after a few minutes, Henry returned his gaze to the stain on the table, and his hands relaxed, as did his face, which returned to its normal color. His face slightly turned to the ground.

Henry: I-I'm sorry that you needed to see that.

Dr. Melendez was relieved that this passed and that he could now reach him.

Henry: It's just that... Xander's life gets harder every day that passes, you know? And I'm only one person.

Dr. Melendez places his hand on Henry's shoulder, hoping to console him even more.

Dr. Melendez: I know you're trying your best with him. And believe me, that's no easy feat.

Xander and I-Mario returned into the office; both Henry and Dr. Melendez were delighted to see him.

Henry: Oh, you have a gown on.

He looks at Dr. Melendez, puzzled.

Dr. Melendez: Oh, we didn't want him to walk around the hospital in just a brief and T-shirt.

Henry: Good idea.

Xander peeks over at the table and spots the slightly faded stain is still there.

Xander: ... Are you... mad at me?

😰: ⬆ 80%

Henry: About what?

Xander: ... For... leaking?

Henry: Of course not. Uh, I know you didn't mean it. I guess I should've asked you if you needed to change before coming here.

Henry uncomfortably chuckled at him and tried once again with Dr. Melendez to ease Xander's anxiety. Xander put his stained shorts in a plastic bag that he put in there for incidents like this and put on a pair of light-blue shorts.

😰: ⬇ 50%

Henry: So, are you ready to leave, bud?

Xander: ... Wait, that's it?

Dr. Melendez: Yup, all done! It was just a checkup.

Xander: ... R-Right.

Dr. Melendez: So, his 200 ml of sertraline and his incontinence supplies he gets through insurance and should be ready at the pharmacy when they contact you.

Henry: Cool beans.