Drops of Sadness

[At Pop Drops' house...]

"Mom, dad, why did I have to end up looking like a skeleton?" asked Pop Drops.

"Dear, you know it was an accident. Technology back them was pretty bad. The x-ray machine I used on you was an outdated model with components that were replacements for parts that no longer existed," explained Mrs. Drops.

"What happened though? How did the incorrect components cause the accident?" continued Pop Drops.

"It was a long time ago but I'll tell you what I remember. You were actually pretty skinny back then. You came in for a routine check-up to see how things inside you were doing. The machine you ended up having the accident on had been doing fine with other patients. Its parts had been replaced the week before so it still boggles me why it happened to you. Regardless, you were up next but I didn't think anything bad would happen to you as it didn't happen to the others. I pressed the necessary buttons and the malfunction occurred. Perhaps I hit the wrong button or perhaps one or more components had jammed but either way, you were in intense pain and since it was hot enough to take away many layers of your skin, it was too hot for us to get you out until we managed to turn the machine off. As I recall, that machine was removed immediately after the incident and you were in the hospital for two weeks. We waited to see if the skin would return but it did not. We believe that the x-rays somehow destroyed the skin cells to the point of no return," explained Mr. Drops.

"Goodness, no wonder I've been avoiding to tell my story. I mean I knew it was scary but I didn't think it was that scary. At least I'm not in any more pain but I wish there was some way to restore my skin," remarked Pop Drops.

"So do we but there isn't. You're like that for life I'm afraid," added Mr. Drops.

"Wonder how I still managed to put on weight then," pondered Pop Drops.

"You ended up eating a lot while you were in the hospital because the doctors and nurses were worried about your health," answered Mrs. Drops.

"Well at least that's cleared up," smiled Pop Drops.

"Perhaps it's not so bad to tell others now?" asked Mrs. Drops.

"Maybe. I'll have to let it soak in first," stated Pop Drops.

"Well okay. It was a lot to take in," figured Mr. Drops.

"I guess I can tell Floaty Spin about it since she understands," realized Pop Drops.

"I'm sure your friends will too but it's up to you how you want to share it," assured Mrs. Drops.

"I'll go call her right now," said Pop Drops.

"Hold on there, Pop Drops. You have to take your medicine first," noted Mr. Drops.

"Medicine? For what?" questioned Pop Drops.

"Well your health of course. While it's true you healed up, doctors gave you that medicine to maintain the remaining cells you have left. Otherwise, you'll lose the rest of your skin altogether," elaborated Mr. Drops.

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Good thing you reminded me, dad," realized Pop Drops before running to the counter.

"We have to watch you take it you know because you can't overdo it as it needs the right amount to ensure nothing changes with your skin," added Mrs. Drops before she and Mr. Drops walk over.

"This much good?" asked Pop Drops.

"Well, the red line indicates how much to take and since that's where you have it, you're fine. Luckily, you only have to take it twice a day but it needs refilling and we get a new shipment every two weeks.," continued Mr. Drops. *Pop Drops pours some of the medication into the tiny cup*

"There we go," stated Pop Drops before drinking her medicine.

"Good girl. Now you can go tell your friend," concluded Mr. Drops.

"Thanks dad," called Pop Drops as she raced upstairs to her phone. [Later that day...]

"So, she'd take it well?" asked Mrs. Drops.

"Yep, just as I thought she would. She was pretty surprised though because she didn't think it was as bad either," replied Pop Drops.

"I think this is the start of a whole new you," concluded Mr. Drops.

"A Pop Drops with a not-so-sensitive story," finished Pop Drops.