Morning Preparations

Dr. Blue checked her blue stethoscope one more time before heading down the bright hallway of Sunnydale Hospital. The annual haircut day had arrived, and she could already hear the distant sound of Miss Strawberry setting up her equipment in the activity room.

"Good morning, everyone!" Dr. Blue called cheerfully as she entered the children's ward, her basket of lollipops swinging gently at her side.

Several of the girl patients waved excitedly from their beds. "Dr. Blue! Is it really haircut day?" asked Emma, bouncing slightly under her covers.

"It sure is," Dr. Blue replied with a warm smile. "Miss Strawberry is getting everything ready right now."

From across the room, she noticed Apple and Hope whispering urgently to each other near the window. Both boys had beautiful long hair that reached their shoulders, making them look almost like princesses from fairy tales. Oliver sat nearby, nervously fidgeting with his blanket.

"Boys," Dr. Blue said gently, "you know the routine. Annual haircuts help keep everyone healthy and comfortable."

Apple shook his head vigorously. "We don't want to!"

The sound of electric clippers buzzing to life echoed from down the hall.

The Vanishing Act

The buzzing sound grew louder as Miss Strawberry tested her clippers again. Apple grabbed Hope's hand and whispered urgently, "Now!"

Both boys darted toward the corner where several large blanket boxes sat stacked against the wall. Apple lifted the lid of the nearest box while Hope scrambled inside, then Apple squeezed in after him. The heavy lid dropped shut with a soft thud.

"Where did Apple and Hope go?" Emma asked, sitting up in her bed.

Dr. Blue looked around the room, noticing the empty space by the window. She spotted Oliver still fidgeting nervously, his eyes darting between her and the blanket boxes.

"Oliver, do you know where your friends went?" Dr. Blue asked gently.

Oliver bit his lip. "They... they don't like the clippers. The sound scares them."

From down the hall, Miss Strawberry called out cheerfully, "Ready for the first patient!"

Dr. Blue walked over to the blanket boxes and knocked softly on the largest one. "Apple? Hope? I know you're worried, but hiding won't make this go away."

A muffled voice came from inside. "We're not coming out!"

"The clippers sound scary," Hope's voice added.

Dr. Blue sat down beside the box, thinking carefully about how to help her frightened patients.