"So... you're not lying to us?"
Smiling patiently, Dr. Elias shook his head.
"No, Matías. It might sting for a second, but I promise it'll be over before you even have time to complain."
Camilla laughed quietly at the exchange while Daniella reached over and affectionately brushed a few strands of hair away from Matías' forehead.
"You've been much braver than this before," Daniella reminded him gently.
Matías immediately looked up at her.
"I have?"
"Of course," Daniella replied with a smile. "Do you remember climbing the tree at the backyard the previous day?"
Matías frowned as the memory returned.
"I got stuck halfway."
"You did," Daniella agreed with a small laugh, "but you still climbed all the way to the top."
Matías considered her words for several moments before glancing back at the tiny butterfly needle still resting in Dr. Elias' hand.
"...It's definitely smaller than that tree."
"It certainly is," Dr. Elias replied with an encouraging smile.
