Julie was six years old, and she had a gray stuffed elephant named Tula. Tula had enormous ears and a pink bow that was always a little crooked. At snack time, Mom had some news.
“Tomorrow we're going to the doctor. It's your six-year checkup.” Julie put her cookie down on the plate. “Am I getting a shot?” she asked.
“You might get one,” Mom said. “It's quick, and I'll be right there with you.” Julie didn't say anything, but a knot formed in her tummy. All afternoon, the knot stayed there, like a tight little ball.
She didn't even feel like playing kitchen with Tula.
That night, Mom sat down on the edge of her bed. “What worries you the most?” she asked. Julie thought for a long time. “That I don't know what they're going to do.”
Then she had an idea. She hopped out of bed and found a pencil. “I'm going to write questions for the doctor,” she said. “Then I'll know everything.” She wrote three, slowly, in big letters. Tula watched her from the pillow.
In the morning, Julie put the paper in her pocket and Tula under her arm. The doctor's office had giraffe drawings and an orange goldfish in a bowl. Dr. Reed had white hair and very funny red glasses.
“Hi, Julie. And who's this fancy elephant?” “This is Tula. And I brought questions,” Julie said, unfolding her paper. “Wonderful! I love questions.”
“Number one: what's that thing around your neck for?” “It's a stethoscope, for listening to hearts. Want to hear yours?” Julie put on the earpieces and heard “thump, thump, thump,” like a tiny drum.
“Number two: does the shot hurt?” “It stings a little, like a pinch, and then it's gone,” said the doctor.
“Number three: what can I do while it happens?” “Blow out slowly, like you're blowing out a birthday candle.” Julie sat on Mom's lap, hugged Tula and blew.
She felt a little pinch, and when she opened her eyes, it was all done. The doctor gave her a star bandage. “Best questions of the week.”
That night, the knot in her tummy was gone. Julie made a stethoscope out of a shoelace and a bottle cap, and listened to Tula's heart. “Thump, thump,” she whispered. “You're very healthy, Tula. You can go to sleep now.”
Then she snuggled up next to Tula and closed her eyes. Goodnight, Julie…
