Retained

Today so happens to be International Retainer Day--one for the extra dental boost we sometimes need.

Some things, like retainers, are meant to shape us.

Letting them go is letting go of important parts of ourselves.

But what if they want to retain us?

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Eighteen-year-old Molly's retainer sat in her living room drawer, layered by dust.

It stood out like a rotten tooth in a model's smile--glaring.

But still...

After dousing it with water and much-needed retainer cleaner, it snapped into place with a soft click.

Days later, after revelling in her beauty, she heard whispers behind her molars.

"Remember us?

Molly blinked. Her computer wasn't tuned to her latest YouTube subscription. The TV was silent. But her mouth?

It chattered.

With idle gossip.

"Bob's got a new girlfriend."

"Mary hates your new look."

"We know about it."

Know about what?

Molly tore it out of her mouth, ignoring the pain. Silence.

It writhed in her palm.

It even grinned.

Then suddenly--its voice.

It clipped painfully, like the chattering false denture it was.

"Know about me. You can't forget our dates, babe. Even if you don't like me all that much."

With a huge leap, it slipped into her mouth like an acrobatic thief skittering over sensors.

Click.

"I'm staying till you're old and grey."

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Original story by Michelle Liew. AI tags are coincidental.

For Mikeydred's July Prompt: