Wisdomteethcore Emojis & Text

𝖠𝖣𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖠𝖡𝖫𝖤 𝖥𝖠𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖸 (𝖡𝗒 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖥𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗈𝗎𝗌) Pt. 24 The operating center is a blur of white and sterile smells as they walk in. Chip's eyes quickly adjust to the bright lights, looking for any sign of his dad. They're met by a nurse, who leads them back to the recovery room. Sandy comes in and saw Plankton, still unconscious, surrounded by beeping machinery. His antennae are still, a stark contrast to the usual flurry of movement. Karen's sitting by his side, holding his hand, looking tired but relieved as Sandy lets Chip come in as the nurse smiles at them, but he's focused on seeing his dad. Chip notices his dad's mouth. Plankton's tongue barely lolls out slightly to where his bottom lip is. It's the first thing that catches his eye, other than the red gums where the wisdom teeth have been taken out. Chip's eyes widen, and he takes a step back. "It's okay," Karen says, her voice soothing. "They had to keep his mouth open like that for the surgery." Chip can't help but stare, his heart racing. He's never seen Plankton so still, so... helpless. It's a stark contrast to his usual antics, to his endless plotting and scheming. Now, his dad's the one who's been silenced. He tries to shake off the fear, reminding himself that Plankton's just asleep. The nurse notices their unease and smiles gently at them. "He's doing well," she says, nodding towards Plankton. "We're just about to remove the IV now." With a swift, practiced movement, she carefully takes out the needle, her gloved hands moving quickly yet delicately. Plankton's arm barely twitches in response, his sleep deep. The nurse tapes a cotton ball to his arm where the IV was, then wraps it in a snug bandage, her movements methodical. Karen watches, her heart racing, feeling like an outsider in this medical world that's so foreign to their usual life. "It's okay," the nurse says, noticing the tension. "He's going to be just fine." She turns to Plankton and gently lifts his eyelid, checking his pupil's reaction before closing it again. "Looks like he's still under," she mutters, then turns to Karen. "He'll be out for a bit longer, but let's get gauze ready before he wakes up." Karen nods. Chip watches as the nurse unwraps a piece of gauze, his mind racing with questions about the recovery process. Sandy squeezes his shoulder reassuringly. The nurse gently inserts the gauze into Plankton's mouth, her movements precise and careful. His tongue is back in his mouth. The white cotton fills the void where his wisdom teeth were. Chip then sees blood on her gloves when she pulls them out, his heart skipping a beat. "It's normal," Sandy whispers, noticing his reaction. "It's just a little bleeding. It'll stop soon. And he's gonna be numb, so he won't feel much." The nurse nods. "She is right. The gauze is to help stop the bleeding, and it's common after wisdom teeth surgery." Karen's eyes are glued to Plankton's face, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. She swallows hard, her throat dry. "Thank you," she murmurs to the nurse, who nods understandingly. Chip stands by his mom's side, his gaze flitting between her and his dad. He feels awkward, unsure how to act around his unconscious father. Plankton's usually so full of life, so... Plankton. Drool is forming at the corner of his mouth, his antennae still. The nurse finishes wrapping the gauze. "Ok," she says, her voice soothing. "You can talk to him if you want. He might not hear you, but it can be comforting." Chip steps closer to the bed, his heart thumping against his chest. He looks down at his dad, so still and peaceful, and feels a wave of anxiety. "Dad?" He whispers, his voice shaky. "You okay?" There's no response. Plankton's chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, his breathing deep and even. Chip's eyes well up, a mix of fear and love. He's never seen his dad like this before, not even during his seizures. This is different. This is a kind of vulnerability that he isn't used to. He reaches out a tentative hand, touching his father's arm lightly. "It's okay, Dad," he whimpers. Chip feels a tear slip down his cheek. "Wake up, Dad," he whispers, his voice barely above a mumble. "Please wake up." Plankton remains still. Chip backs up, feeling his stomach churn. Sandy frowns. "You okay, Chip? Karen, Chip's not looking so go—" But Chip is already at the trash can, his body heaving. Sandy rushes over, her eyes wide as he retches. "It's okay," Karen whispers from beside the bed, her hand still clutching Plankton's. "Chip, I'm so sorry. I know it's hard. Your dad won't be like this forever. It'll be okay." Chip nods, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. The nurse takes the trash out before she returns back with wet wipes for Chip. He takes them gratefully, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Thanks," he mumbles. The nurse nods. "Now, Mr. Plankton will most likely wake up feeling pretty groggy and disoriented," she says, turning her attention back to Plankton. "But it's all part of the recovery process." Karen nods, her throat tight. She's heard this before, but with his autism, she can't help but worry how Plankton will react to waking up in such an unfamiliar environment. The nurse sees her concern and gives her a reassuring smile. "We're used to this. We've got everything under control."

𝖠𝖣𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖠𝖡𝖫𝖤 𝖥𝖠𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖸 (𝖡𝗒 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖥𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗈𝗎𝗌) Pt. 25 Time seems to drag as they wait for Plankton to wake up. But finally Karen notices a slight twitch in his eyebrow, his antennae starting to move slightly. Sandy squeezes Chip's hand. "Look, he's coming around," she whispers. Chip's eyes snap to his dad's face, his heart racing. Plankton's single eye flickers open, looking around the room with a haze of confusion. Karen rises from her chair, her hand still tight around his. "Hi, honey," she says gently. "You're okay. You just had a little surgery. Your dentist removed your wisdom teeth. Are you almost ready to go home?" Plankton's gaze settles on her face, his expression still cloudy. He tries to speak, but his mouth is thick with cotton. "Wha..." he mumbles, his tongue fumbling with the gauze and numbness. Karen's eyes fill with relief. "Shh, it's okay. You're in recovery." Her voice is a soothing balm to his confusion. Sandy steps forward, her eyes shining with concern. "You're okay, buddy! How goes it?" Plankton blinks slowly, the world swimming before his eye. "M'th... moufth?" he mumbles, his speech slurred from the numbness and remaining anesthesia. Sandy and Karen can't help but chuckle at his antics. "Your mouth is okay, Plankton," Karen explains, her voice patient. "They just removed extra molars." Plankton's antennae wave erratically as his eye widens. "I can'th fee my teef," he says, his voice still thick. He tries to sit up, only to fall back with a thump, his antennae drooping. "Whoa," he says, his eye spinning. "The floor moveths." Chip giggles nervously, his heart racing. He's seen his dad act weird before, but not like this. Sandy's laughter fills the room. "Oh, Plankton," she says. "You're always full of surprises." The nurse smiles. "It's the anesthesia," she explains. "It'll wear off in a bit. But for now, keep talking to him." Karen nods, her relief palpable. She knows her husband's quirks, but this is new even for him. She leans in. "You're ok, Plankton. We're here for you." Plankton's antennae twitch as he tries to comprehend. His voice slurs more, "Whewe am I?" He looks around, his eye blinking. "I'm in’a white... box?" His words slur together, and he starts to giggle. "I thishk I'm in a fridge!" The nurse, Karen, and Chip all chuckle despite themselves. The tension in the room breaks a little. "Dad, you're still at the dentist," Chip says, trying to keep a straight face. "Dentith?" Plankton slurs, his antennae waving in confusion. "Why am I in da fridge den?" His laughter turns into a snort, and the gauze in his mouth shifts, causing him to drool. "Careful, buddy," Sandy says, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "You've got gauze in your mouth." Plankton looks up. "Gosh?" Chip can't hold in his laughter anymore. He sees the humor in the situation, despite the anxiety from earlier. "You're in the surgery recovery room, Dad," he explains, trying not to laugh. "You had some teeth removed." Plankton's antennae wave wildly. "Teesh?" He asks, his voice slurred. "I can'th feel my teethies. Dith they tik dem aww?" This sets off a fit of giggles from the group, even Karen can't hold back. "They just took out your wisdom teeth, love," she says, her voice full of mirth. "They had to, remember?" Plankton's eye crosses. "Wi’dom teefs?" He repeats, his voice slurred. "Buth... but I'm smart wifth aww my teef!" He tries to touch his mouth, but his arm flops back down, too heavy. "Windom teefs awe supposeth to be... smart?" His voice trails off into a silly giggle. The nurse laughs lightly. "Mr. Plankton, you're adorable. But yes, wisdom teeth can cause problems. They're like the extra baggage in your mouth that you don't need." Sandy looks at him. "Do you recall anyth—" But Plankton's eye rolls back and he's out again, snoring gently. The nurse chuckles. "It's the medicine," she says. "He's still under the effects. Give him some time." Karen nods, her smile lingering despite the situation. She's seen Plankton act silly before, but never like this. The anesthesia has brought out a whole new side of him.

𝖠𝖣𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖠𝖡𝖫𝖤 𝖥𝖠𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖸 (𝖡𝗒 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖥𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗈𝗎𝗌) Pt. 26 The nurse checks his vitals, then looks at the family. "He's going to be fine," she reassures them. "This is normal. Just keep talking to him." Sandy nods. "Plankton what do you recall?" Plankton's eye flickers open again. "I... I wuz... it wuz... scawy! Buh feelth wike a melting gill sheesh san witch floating. Karen thpinned thoo! Thpun awound.." Karen looked intrigued. "I was spinny?" She asked him. "Yesh," Plankton nods. "Youw wiz." He tried to sit up again. Sandy couldn't help but laugh harder. "Looks like you had quite the adventure, Plankton." He nods, his antennae bobbing. "I di'n't even hafe tho weave de chaw fo' de rollercoatheth," he mumbles, his voice still slurred. The nurse checks his gauze and nods. "Everything's going as planned," she says. "He's just feeling the after-effects of the anesthesia." Plankton tries to focus on the three figures before him. "Youwre aww... fuzzy," he murmurs, his voice muffled by the gauze. "Nurse?" The nurse's smile widens. "Yes, Mr. Plankton?" "I had a mask," he slurs. "I wath... thwimming wif... I din't floth my teef?" He giggles uncontrollably at the thought. "Ith thweemed wif... I dunno? I forgot to floth yestewday. Sho thad can'th be wight.." The nurse and Karen share an amused glance, while Chip tries to keep a straight face. "It's okay, Plankton," Karen says, her voice trembling with laughter. "You're okay. You're just a little loopy right now. Let it run its course," she says with a smile as Plankton notices the bandage on his hand. "Oooh, accessowry?" Plankton asks, staring at the bandage where the IV was removed, his eye squinting in confusion. "I din't member, how I geth thish?" Karen chuckles, wiping away a tear from her eye. "You had surgery, sweetie. They had to give you something to make you sleep through it, the IV." Plankton's not following. "I'vth? Whath's an I'vth?" The nurse's laugh is gentle. "It's a tube, Mr. Plankton. It helped you sleep." Plankton nods slowly, still confused. "A tube? Whath tube? I din't thee any tube.." Karen's smile widens. "You had it in your arm," she says, pointing. Plankton looks down, his eye still unfocused. "Oh," he says, his voice faint. "I din't member thad. Wheh dith thish tube thingy happn’ nurse? Karen, member the mask?" The nurse nods. "You were given a mask with gas to help you sleep," she explains. "And then we moved to the IV after that. You're going to be a little out of it for a while, but that's normal." Plankton processes the information. "Oh," he says, his voice slightly clearer. "Thath's why I feelth wike I'vth been hith by a party balloon filled wifth... wather?" He giggles, his cheeks turning pink. "I don't wike balloonth. They pop loud." Chip can't help but smile, seeing his dad in this state. It's like watching a child discover the world for the first time, all over again. "You're okay, Dad," he says, his voice filled with affection as Sandy goes to hug Plankton. But Plankton flinches, his antennae shooting up. "No huggles!" He says, his voice panicked. "I'm thtick!" He tries to push her away, but his movements are slow and clumsy. Sandy pulls back, understanding. "It's okay, Plankton," she says. "We're just happy to see you. And you're not sick, silly!" Chip watches, his heart warming at Sandy's gentle tone. It's clear she's learning too, adapting to Plankton's quirks. Plankton's eye finally focuses on her. "Oh, wight," he says, his voice still slurred. "Ish thcared? I'm mawwied to Karen and she woffth meeeeeee!" This sets off another wave of laughter. "We know, Plankton," Karen says, trying to keep a straight face. "But you're okay now. No need to be scared. Chip was a bit scared though," she adds, nudging their son with her elbow. "But he's brave for you." Plankton looks at Chip, his antennae drooping. "Whewe's Chip? Can, can shay hi? Shay hi to Chip?" Chip leans in, his laughter subsiding. "Hi, Dad," he says gently. "I'm right here." Plankton's antennae wave in recognition. "Chip! Thpuny Chip!" He slurs, his eye widening. "Shay, shay hi, Chip?" Chip nods, his smile soft. "Hi, Dad." Plankton laughs. "Hi Chip!" He says, his voice still slurred. "Youw... wookth... so... biggew!" He tries to sit up, but Chip gently pushes him back down. "Easy Dad," he says. "You got stitches. We don't want to pop those stitches, or—" But Plankton's antennae drop instantly. "Stitchesh?" He says, his voice filled with fear. "Stitchesh thurtth?" He starts to panic, his body tensing. The nurse quickly intervenes. "Mr. Plankton, no, no," she soothes. "Chip, we gave your dad strong but dissolving sutures! They're specially made for patients with a history of seizures and special needs. They're not like regular sewing stitches. He'll be fine." But Plankton's fear has taken over, and his single eye starts to water. "I don't wike stitchesh," he mumbles, his voice shaking. "Karen pwease, no stitchesh!" Karen's heart breaks seeing her husband so upset. She takes his hand again. "Plankton, no. You don't have stitches that hurt," she says, her tone gentle and firm. "They used special ones that dissolve on their own. Remember we talked about this befo—" But Plankton's fear isn't easily soothed. He starts to hyperventilate, his single eye wide with panic. "Karen, Karen, no stitchesh! No stitchesh!" His antennae are quivering, and his body is tense. Chip swallows hard, his hands clenching into fists at his side. Karen's eyes fill with tears, and she quickly stands up. "Chip, Sandy, I need you to go wait outside for a moment," she says, her voice shaking. "Let me talk to him alone." Sandy nods, her own concern etched on her face, and gently guides Chip out of the recovery room. "Let's get some air," she says, leading him to the waiting area. Karen and the nurse turn to Plankton. "Plankton," Karen says, her voice calm yet firm, as she sits on the edge of the bed, her hands gripping his. "Look at me. Look at me." Plankton's eye is teary, his breathing quick and shallow. "You're safe," she whispers. "You don't have the stitches that hurt. Chip didn't know about the dissolving ones, that's why he said that. But I know, and you know, because we talked about it. Remember?" Plankton's antennae quiver as he tries to focus on her words, his body slowly relaxing. "Ditholvish..." he mumbles, his voice small and scared. "No stitchesh? No popping!" Karen nods, her own eyes filling with tears. "No stitches that pop, love," she says. "You're okay. You're safe." She holds his hand tighter, feeling his fear dissipate slowly. "Remember the plan? The one we made together?" Plankton's antennae twitch, and he nods slightly, his breathing easing. "Yeth," he says, his voice weak. "Dotholvish stitchesh." The nurse steps in, her voice calm and soothing. "Mr. Plankton, your wife's right. We used dissolving ones. We just want you to be careful because of the pain can be worse if you jostle too much." Plankton's antennae wave slightly, his expression still fearful. Karen nods. "We talked about it, Plankton. Remember the special plan?" She whispers, her eyes filled with love and understanding. "You have to stay calm and let the medicine work. No stitches to pop. No pain like that. We discussed it before, right? Now, let's get ready to go home!" Plankton's antennae still, his breathing steadies. He nods slowly. "Home?" He slurs, his mind still fuzzy from the anesthesia. "I wath... I wath thcared of stitchesh." Karen's smile is relieved, her eyes glistening with tears. "You're safe, Plankton. We're going home soon. Ready to go?" She strokes his cheek. Plankton's antennae wave in acknowledgment, his single eye focusing on hers. "Home," he repeats her. "Yeth." The nurse nods, satisfied with his response. "Alright, Mr. Plankton; let's get you into a wheelchair!" With the nurse's help, Plankton is transferred to the chair, his legs dangling over the edge. "It's just to get you to your car." Plankton nods, his eye still a bit glazed over, but his body more cooperative now. His antennae wave slightly as he tries to sit up straighter.

𝖠𝖣𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖠𝖡𝖫𝖤 𝖥𝖠𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖸 (𝖡𝗒 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖥𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗈𝗎𝗌) Pt. 27 The nurse pushes the wheelchair through the hospital corridors. Chip and Sandy come into his line of vision. "Hi Dad," Chip says, his voice tentative. Plankton's eye snaps to his son. "No?" He says, his voice clearer now. "You'we... you'we liar?" Karen steps in, laughing gently. "He's not lying, Plankton. You had special stitches. No popping, remember?" Plankton's antennae drop, his expression clearing slightly. "Oh," he says, his voice still slurred. "Speshul... stitchesh." He nods, his mind slowly piecing things together. "Wight. No popping." Chip's shoulders relax, his smile returning. "Yeah, Dad. No popping. And we're all here for you," he says, his voice filled with reassurance. Sandy nods in agreement, her eyes soft. "You're gonna be okay. I'll get going now. Bye, y'all!" The nurse wheels Plankton closer to the car, and Chip rushes to open the door for them. Karen helps him into the backseat, making sure he's comfortable, while his head lolls back onto the headrest. The nurse waves, taking away the wheelchair as Karen starts the car. Chip helps Plankton buckle in. In the car, Plankton's eye keeps fluttering. "You okay?" Karen asked him, unable to hide her amusement. Plankton nods, his speech still slurred. "Jush tiwed," he says. "I wath... I wath... I wath on a speshul day," he mumbles, his eye half-closed. "Tish fwom... the denthit?" Karen laughs softly, her hand on the steering wheel. "We're in the car now. You're okay, sweetie. Just tired from the medicine." Plankton's antennae wave slowly, his eye half-closed. "Caw," he slurs. "Caw wike a... Chip... merry-go-round?" "No, no," Karen says, smiling. "Just stay put. You're safe." Chip, sitting the seat by Plankton, watches his dad with mixture of humor and concern. "Mom's driving us home, Dad." "Home?" Plankton repeats, his voice slurred. "Home, wike... whale wash?" "Sure, sweetie," Karen says, her voice gentle. "We will be there soon." "Dad, do you wanna tell us about the dentist?" Chip asked, starting to record a video on his phone. He doesn't want to startle his father, who's already so sensitive to his surroundings. Plankton's antennae twitch slightly. "Nendis?" He mumbles. "Yeath, nentis." He closes his eye, his antennae moving as he tries to recall.. "I wath... I wath at de dentith," he slurs, his voice lilting in sleepy confusion. "They goth my wizdam teef. Teefies?" He giggles to himself. "Tho many teefies. Dey maketh a chaw. I thit down and dey thaid, 'Bweath in de gas mask,' and den... de wowld wath... woozy. I dunno how bu’ dey aww of a sudden I’th wakey-wakey wiff no mowf bu’ on my hand wath a ban-aid." He holds up his hand with the bandage for emphasis, his antennae bobbing slightly with each word. "I thenked dey put me on de rollercoath, but ended up in thith caw!" His hand plopped down in his lap. Chip and Karen share a look in the rearview mirror. "Dentist," she corrects gently, her laughter bubbling up. "You're still loopy from the anesthesia. And that was a wheel chair, Plankton." Plankton giggles. "Wheel chaw," he repeats, his voice slurred. "Wheelchaw in a caw." His antennae wave in delight. "Bu’ Chip wath tho mean. He tolb me I pop oud my stitchesh." Chip snickers, his hand over his mouth. Then Plankton continues, but his voice wobbles sadly. "Ith’s scawey," Plankton says, wiping away tears. "Chip wathn't weal truthful and thaid I got stitchesh wiww end up popping. It wath... wath it... wath it... my moof." His antennae quiver. "Bu’ Karen thaid it’th noth twue. No pop stitchesh!" Karen's smile fades a bit. "Plankton," she says seriously. "Chip didn’t know about the dissolving ones. But I'm here, and I'll always tell you what's happening. No surprises, okay? He was just trying to—" But Plankton's head lolls to the side. He's asleep, his mouth slightly open. His snores are quiet, the gauze in his mouth muffling them. Chip then ends the video, saving it on his phone. The car ride home is mostly silent, save for Plankton's soft snores. Karen keeps glancing in the rearview mirror, making sure he's okay. Chip can't help but smile at his dad. As they pull into the driveway, Plankton stirs slightly, his antennas waving in his sleep. "Whe... whe're weh?" He mumbles. "Home," Karen says softly. "We're home. I'll help you in—" But Plankton's eye closes again, and his snores grow louder, his body relaxed against the car seat. Karen gently shakes his shoulder. "Plankton, we're home," she says, trying not to disturb him too much. His antennae twitch in his sleep, but he doesn't wake up. With a sigh, she gets out of the car and opens his door. "Come on," she coaxes, her voice soothing. "Let's get you inside!" His eye opens again. "Home," he says, his speech still slurred. Karen carefully helps him out of the car. Yet Plankton's eye starts to droop again. "Walky walky," he murmurs. Chip jumps out of the car, coming around to open the front door. Plankton's legs give out under him, and he sags against Karen, his antennas drooping. "Walky," he mumbles again, his eye fluttering shut. Karen laughs softly, shaking her head. "Come on," she says, supporting his weight. "Let's get you to bed. You gotta walk, honey. Are you even awake?" Plankton's antennae wave slightly. "Awake," he mumbles. He takes a step, then another, but then his legs give out again. "Dad, you need to stay awake," Chip says, his voice filled with concern. But Plankton's eye closes again, his body leaning heavily on Karen as his snores are heard. With a deep breath, Karen wraps her arm around his waist. "Come on, love," she says, her tone gentle but firm. "We're almost there. Can you wake up for just a bit?" Plankton's antennae twitch as he nods, his body wobbly. He takes another step, his eye fighting to stay open. "Walky, walky," he says, his voice sleepy. They inch their way up the walkway, Chip hovering behind them, ready to catch his dad if he fals again.

𝖠𝖣𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖠𝖡𝖫𝖤 𝖥𝖠𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖸 (𝖡𝗒 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖥𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗈𝗎𝗌) Pt. 28 The home's warmth envelops them as they enter, Plankton's eye fully closing. "Bed," he mumbles into Karen. "Wan' bed." Karen laughs. "You can do i---" But Plankton's head droops again, snores now echoing through the house. She sighs, her smile never leaving her face. "Come on," she whispers, half carrying him toward the bedroom. "You're almost there. Wakey-wakey," Karen coos. Plankton's eye opens a slit. "Heh?" "Dad," Chip says. "You need to stay awake a bit longer." They manage to get to the bedroom, his legs dragging. Karen helps him onto the bed, his head rolling to the side. "Bed," he says, his voice barely a murmur. "Wan' bed." Chip watches, his heart heavy. He notices his dad's mouth moving, his teeth chattering slightly as he chews on the gauze. "Dad, no," Chip whispers, reaching out to his father's cheek. "You're not su—" Chip's eyes widen with realization. "Oh," he says softly. "Your mouth's numb. Mom, is this normal?" Karen nods, her eyes on Plankton's face. "Yes, it's a side effect of the local anesthesia," she explains, her voice calm and reassuring. "It'll wear off soon." Plankton's antennas wave slightly, his chewing growing more frantic. "It's okay, Plankton," she says. "It's just to keep the blood clots forming in place. It won't hurt you." Chip's brow furrows as he watches his dad's mouth move uncontrollably. "Can we give him something for it?" He asks, his hand hovering over the gauze in Plankton's mouth. "Chip, don't. It's just the meds wearing off. Let's get you comfy," Karen says, her tone soothing. They manage to get him sitting up, his head lolling slightly. Plankton makes an "mph" noise, his antennae waving as he tries to communicate. Karen gently takes the gauze out, revealing a swollen, numb mouth. "Can you feel that?" Chip asks, his voice concerned. Plankton shakes his head, his eye wide with confusion. "No?" He says, his voice slurred. "Karen, I canth feel my mouthie!" Karen laughs softly, her eyes brimming with love. "It's normal, love. The feeling will come back." Plankton's antennae wave in frustration. "But it'th so... weiwd," he mumbles. "Wha’ abouth the gosh?" Karen takes his hand gently. "The gauze is gone, Plankton. Just try to relax." Plankton's antennae quiver as he nods. He tries to talk again, but his tongue feels thick and awkward. "Karen," he slurs, "Ith’s wike... ith’s wike I'vth goth a mout' full of cotton candies. I stiw feelth gosh?" His tongue visibly gets in the way of his chewing. Karen nods, her hand on his shoulder. "It's normal, Plankton. Just stop chewing your cheek, okay?" She says, her voice kind. But Plankton's still confused. "But it'th not wike... I'm not gonna bithe mithelf," he says. But even as he's talking, his teeth catch his tongue. "Thee," he says, his voice slurred. "It'th I'm biting gosh, not mysethf." Chip's eyes widen. "No Dad there's no gauze STOP!" Chip yells, making him wince. "Chip thoo loud! Kare----" "Dad you're being louder than me!" Karen quickly takes control of the situation. "Plankton, you're okay. You're just biting your lip because your mouth is still numb from the medicine," she explains. "It's a common side effect. And Chip, please keep your voice down." Plankton's antennae drop in understanding, his body relaxing slightly. "Numb?" He repeats, his voice slurred. "I bith my lithpth?" He looks at Karen, his eye filled with concern. "It's okay," Karen says, her voice calm. "It's not gonna cause complications but it'll make the pain worse once it's worn off." Plankton's antennae wave in understanding, his eye drooping. "Ow-wee?" he mumbles, his speech still slurred. "I'm sorthy." Karen nods, her smile reassuring. "It's okay, sweetie. Just try to keep still," she says. But Plankton's mouth slightly starts to drool due to the numbness. "Ith'th gothta... gothta geth muh gosh," he asks. Karen nods, her movements swift. She grabs gauze from the nightstand. "Open," she instructs, her voice calm and soothing. Plankton's mouth opens obediently, and she gently puts the fresh gauze in. "Better?" She asks, her tone tender. Plankton's antennae wave in relief as he nods. "Tankyew," he mumbles, his speech slurred. Karen and Chip exchange a look, both of them trying not to laugh at the sight of Plankton's drool. "It's okay," Karen says, her voice calm. "It's normal." She wipes the drool from his chin with a gentle tissue. "But you have to keep the gauze in tonight." Plankton nods, his antennas drooping slightly. "Thath what dey thoid," he murmurs. "But it’th... it’th juth... tiwweeddd.." Karen giggles, her eyes shining with love. "I know, Plankton," she says. "But it's all going to be okay. You just have to keep the gauze in for now." Plankton's eye closes in sleep. Chip watches his dad, his heart swelling with concern. He's never seen him like this before, so vulnerable. "Mom, should we be worried?" He whispers, his voice shaky. Karen smiles at his anxiety. "No, no complications. He'll just be in pain is all. And his autism might make it tougher for him to really communicate what he's feeling without getting frustrated, so be prepared for that." As they get him settled in bed, Plankton's drool continues to leak out despite the gauze. Karen carefully tucks him in, making sure the gauze stays in place. "Goodnight, Plankton," she says, even though he's already snoring softly. She kisses his forehead, her heart aching for the pain he'll feel once the anesthesia fully wears off tomorrow. Chip lingers in the doorway, watching his dad sleep. His mind whirrs with thoughts about his dad's autism, his surgery, and the drooling. It's strange to see such a powerful character in his life so vulnerable. He knows Plankton wouldn't want anyone to see him like this, but he also knows his dad is safe here. He turns to Karen, his voice low. "Mom, is he going to be okay?" Karen nods, her eyes still on Plankton. "He's going to be fine. The dental work was minor. The autism just makes everything more... intense for him." All the anesthesia and numbness has worn off overnight while Plankton was asleep. The next morning Plankton awoke to a dull ache in his mouth and jaw. Karen hears him groan loudly and she went right to his side. His antennae now twitched in pain. "Wha'..." Plankton then remembers. The dentist. He had his wisdom teeth out! He recalls the mask. He remembered Sandy dropped Chip off at the dentist, and Karen drove Chip and him home. Anything else after that, he'd forgot. He opens his eye slowly, his mouth now feeling thick and swollen. "Karen," he murmurs. He then took his soggy gauze out, now stained with pink. "Urrg, m-my face.." Karen, sitting beside him, smiles. "Good morning, Plankton. How are you feeling?" Her tone is gentle. Plankton's antennae wave in response. "Dunno," he mumbles. "Why's the pillow wet?" Karen laughs softly. She sits down beside his bed, her expression kind. "It's because the medicine they gave you made your mouth numb. You couldn't feel it, so you drooled in your sleep." Plankton nods, his face scrunching up in realization. "Oh," he says, but winces at the pain in his jaw. "Take it easy," Karen instructs, her hand steadying his shoulder. "You're going to be sore for a few days. And you had those special stitches that dissolve. You're going to need rest." Chip knocks on the doorframe, his eyes full of concern. "Hey, Dad," he says softly. "How's it going?" Plankton's antennae wave slightly. "Chip," he says, his voice still thick from sleep. "Uh, how was Sandy?" Chip steps into the room, his eyes scanning his father. "Ms. Sandy's good," he replies. Plankton nods. "Sandy dropped you off at the oral surgeon office at my dentist yesterday, right?" Chip nods, his eyes worried. "Yeah, Dad. We both came after surgery." He pauses, a smile tugging at his lips. "You had some funny moments." Plankton's antennae perk up, his curiosity piqued despite the pain. "Funny moments?" He asks, nervous. "What do you mean..." Chip pulls out his phone, scrolling to the video from the previous day. He presses play. In the video, they're in the car, Chip in the video talking. 'Dad, do you wanna tell us about the dentist?' Then Plankton came into view. Plankton's eye opens wider as he watches his sleepy, post- surgery self mumble about the "nentis" and his "mowf bu' on my hand wath a ban-aid." He watches his own confusion with mortification. "What bandaid..." Plankton sees it on his hand. "I don't remember having this on my hand. What was it for?" Karen chuckles. "It was the IV, but you won't remember because they did it when you were already sleepy." "Oh," Plankton says. He looks down. "I don't remember," he mumbles, wincing as he took off his bandage. Karen nods, her expression sympathetic. "That's because of the medicine, Plankton. You were pretty out of it." Chip chuckles. "You talked about chairs turning into a rollercoaster," he says. "It was pretty funny." Plankton's antennae droop slightly. "I talked about what? It was all a... a blur." Karen nods. "You were loopy from anesthesia. But it's over. You're safe at home, and we'll help you out." Plankton sat up, movements cautious due to the throbbing in his mouth. "Th-thank you," he says. "My mouth feels... pain." Karen nods, handing over a glass of water and a bottle of pain meds. "Here. It'll help." Plankton nods, his face contorted in discomfort as he took the pills with a grimace. "Euh– " Chip watches his dad carefully with love. He can't imagine what it's like and his dad's autism make it more challenging for him to understand. He sat down on the bed, his hand reaching out to cover his dad's. But Plankton retreats his hand before Chip can touch.

THE TOOTH OF A CHILD ii The nurse finished up the paperwork and handed it to Karen. "You're all set to go home once Mr. Plankton is ready. Just remember, he'll need to take it easy for a few days. No solid food, only soft things like soups and mashed potatoes." Karen nodded, her gaze still locked on Plankton's fascinated expression. "I've got it covered," she said. Plankton, seemingly oblivious to the instructions, was busy poking his cheeks with his fingers, his mouth still numb and frozen. He looked up at her, his eye twinkling. "Kay... Kahen... anotha... anotha teeth." The nurse had left the room, leaving them in a quiet solitude punctuated only by the rhythmic beeping of the monitors and the occasional swish of hospital curtains. Karen couldn't resist the urge to laugh. "You're already asking for more?" she teased. Plankton shrugged, his expression as goofy as a puppy's. "Ith... wothless... wifout... wisdom," he mumbled. Her amusement grew. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment to the teeth or an insult to me," she said playfully. Plankton's antennae shot up, his cheeks flushing a brighter shade of pink. "Mmph... no, no... gwed... wisdom..." he insisted, his speech still slurred. Karen couldn't help but smile at his earnestness. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind," she said, her voice filled with affectionate sarcasm. "So, what's the first thing you want to do when we get home?" Plankton's antennae twitched with excitement. "Mmph... mow... wock?" he slurred, his voice muffled by the anesthesia. Karen raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden interest in music. "You want to rock?" she repeated, amusement dancing in her eyes. Plankton nodded vigorously, his antennae bobbing. "Mmhmm," he managed, his mouth still refusing to cooperate. "Wock and wowl." Karen couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, okay. I'll make sure to have some rock music ready for when we get home." Plankton's eye lit up, his enthusiasm clear despite the numbness. "Gweat," he murmured, his antennae swaying to an unheard melody. Karen watched him, his normally stoic face now a canvas of comical expressions and muffled sounds. It was surreal to see him like this, but she found his vulnerability endearing. "But first, we need to get you home," she said, her voice a gentle reminder of reality. Plankton nodded, his eye closing in exhaustion. He leaned his head back on the pillow, his snoring resuming its soft crescendo. The nurse returned to check on them. "Looks like he's comfortable," she said with a smile. "You can take him home whenever you're ready." Karen nodded, still watching Plankton's peaceful face. "Mmph... Kahen?" Plankton's eye opened again, searching for her. "Ca-- we go now?" he slurred, his voice laced with hope. Karen couldn't resist the urge to lean over and kiss his forehead. "Soon, buddy," she whispered. He nodded, his antennae waving sluggishly. His hand found hers again, his grip firm despite his grogginess. Karen felt her heart melt at his determination. "Mmph... I teww you 'notha tink?" he mumbled, his smile hopeful. "Sure," she said, leaning closer. "Wheh, mmmph... the dentist made every ting awwright, yet firsh, they saith I woul’ be in surgery. Bu’ they didn’t even cuth me openth! They jus’ made every ting go woozy," Plankton slurred. "Then youw face wath theath wight bulb on top." Karen couldn't stop herself from laughing. "What are you talking about, Plankton?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth. He tried to enunciate, his lips moving awkwardly. "Mmph, Kahen, the dentist... they... they put me to sweep wi’out cutting me." His words were jumbled. Karen's curiosity piqued, she leaned in closer. "What do you mean, without cutting you?" she questioned, her voice filled with gentle amusement. Plankton's antennae waved wildly. "Mmph, they goth me all sleepy and then I woke up wifout getting cuth!" he exclaimed, his words still thick. Karen couldn't contain her laughter. "They didn't cut you because they already took your teeth out while you were asleep," she explained, her voice a blend of humor and affection. Plankton's antennae drooped, his eye looking disappointed. "Mmph, oh... I wath expehcting a magith trick." He slumped back into the pillow. Karen chuckled, stroking his hand. "It's like magic, isn't it?" she said, her voice light. "You went to sleep with four extra teeth and woke up with none." Plankton's antennae shot up again. "Ma... ma... magic?" he repeated, his voice filled with wonder. Karen nodded. "In a way, yes. They used sleepy medicine so you wouldn't feel a thing." He stared at her, his eye wide with fascination. "Wow, Kahen. They're wike wizawds!" he exclaimed, his speech still slurred but his enthusiasm unmistakable. Karen laughed again, her heart feeling lighter. "Mmph, can they make me fwee too?" Plankton asked, his voice filled with hope. Karen shook her head, her smile never leaving her lips. "Sorry, Plankton. Only in your dreams." He pouted, his cheeks puffing out like a chipmunk's. "Mmph, no fun." His eye grew heavy again, his body still feeling the weight of the anesthesia. Karen stood, gently squeezing his hand. "Let's get you up, okay?" With a groan, Plankton managed to push himself into a sitting position, his legs dangling over the side of the bed. Karen supported him, her arm wrapped around his shoulder. His head lolled to one side. "Mmph... wath... whath... whath's that?" Plankton's voice was a muffled mess, his words tripping over his still-numb tongue. Karen followed his gaze to the plastic cup of water. "Mmph... wath's in thef?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. Karen laughed gently. "It's for rinsing, buddy. To keep your mouth clean." Plankton nodded, his antennae still waving with excitement. The nurse stepped in to help, handing him the cup filled with water. "Here, take a sip." Plankton's antennae waved nervously as he took the cup, his hand trembling. He took a tentative sip, his mouth filling with the cold liquid. "Ah, gwed," he slurred, his speech still affected by the anesthesia. Karen watched him with amusement. "You're doing great," she encouraged, her voice soothing. Plankton managed a wobbly nod. "Mmph... wath's nxt?" "Now, we just need to get you home," she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Plankton's antennae drooped slightly. "Mmph... dawes?" Karen nodded, her smile never fading. "Yes, darling, we're going home now." Plankton's eye lit up with excitement, his slurred speech a cute contrast to his usual sharp wit.

𝖠𝖣𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖠𝖡𝖫𝖤 𝖥𝖠𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖸 (𝖡𝗒 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖥𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗈𝗎𝗌) Pt. 23 Sandy's tree dome is always a wonder to Chip. She opens the door for him. "Hey there, buddy!" She says, her accent a Texas drawl. Chip's eyes widen as he looks around, the contrast from his typical day to the alien world of Sandy's dome. It's like stepping into a grassy paradise! Sandy, with her squirrel- like cheerfulness, shows Chip around. "So, what's the plan?" Chip asks, his voice tentative. "Well, we're gonna have some fun!" Sandy says, clapping her hands together. "Whatcha wanna do?" Later, as Chip and Sandy kick a ball around, Sandy's phone rings. It's Karen, calling from the dentist. "Is everything okay?" Chip asks, his eyes widening in worry. Sandy nods, holding up a finger for him to wait as she answers. "Howdy, Karen! How's..." Her voice trails off as she listens intently. Chip watches her face for cues, his heart racing. Sandy's expressions shift from concern to confusion to something he can't quite read. "Okay," she says into the phone. "We'll be ready. I heard about his autism, so I can imagine how worried..." Chip's mind races as he tries to listen in on the conversation. What could be wrong? He watches Sandy as she's still on the phone. "What's going on?" He asks, his voice laced with fear. But Sandy holds up her hand for him to wait. "Oh," she says into the phone. "And uhm, how's Plankton gonna..." Suddenly, she's cut off by Karen's voice. "Now?" Sandy repeats. "I can't really see Plankton being agreeable to that, Karen. How..." Her eyes widen as she listens to Karen's explanation. "Oh no," she says, her voice concerned. "Oh, poor Plankton! I'm sorry to hear that, Karen. How long will the surgery be? Oh, they'll do it in the same building? That's good, at least.." Chip's anxiety spikes as he overhears the word "surgery." Plankton's face flashes in his mind, and he remembers his dad's fear of doctors. "What about Dad?" He asks, his voice shaky. But Sandy's still talking to Karen. Sandy nods, her face etched with worry. "Okay, just keep us updated and let me know when we can come. Wishing Plankton a speedy recovery! Yes. See you on the flip side; bye.." Chip's stomach drops as he looks at Sandy. "What happened to Dad?" Sandy takes a deep breath. "He's gotta have some extra teeth removed," she says gently. "It's a common procedure, but for someone like him, it's gonna be a bit tricky. But they are going to accommodate him. It's a preventative..." Chip nods, his mind whirling. "But Dad's so scared of doctors," he says, his voice small. "How are we gonna get him through this?" Sandy gives him a comforting smile. "Your mom's got it handled," she assures him. "They have an oral surgeon at his dental office. They're gonna make sure he's as comfortable as possible, and your mom will let us know when we can come up there." A little while later Sandy gets a text update from Karen with a picture. The image is of Plankton lying in a dental chair, his eye closed, a mask covering his face. The message reads: "The gas put him right to sleep, and now they're gonna put in the IV before removing the gas mask. They're letting me stay with him the entire time." Then another image of Karen's hand holding Plankton's limp one. Chip's heart sinks. He's never seen his dad like this before. So vulnerable. He feels like he should be there, but Sandy's comforting presence reminds him that his mom's got it under control. Sandy puts her arm around Chip's shoulder. "Why don't we do something to keep our minds off it?" She suggests, trying to ease his concern. "We could play some soccer!" Chip nods, though his mind is still somewhere with Plankton. But he knows his mom's got this. And Sandy's his best bet at distraction. Later, the next update is texted and Sandy reads Karen's message. "The surgery went well," it says. "He's in recovery, you can come whenever. They knew about his seizures so they used extra sutures, but they are dissolving stitches. They're just preparing before the wake-up starts. He's still under. They took x-rays after, too, and every thing's perfect. He did so excellent, and will be numb and groggy for today but might be in some pain and swelling for the next week." Sandy looks at Chip, her eyes filled with concern. "You ready to see your dad?" She asks. Chip nods, nerves frayed but his determination to be there for his dad unchanged. He takes a deep breath and they both head out to the dentist.

𝖠𝖣𝖠𝖯𝖳𝖠𝖡𝖫𝖤 𝖥𝖠𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖸 (𝖡𝗒 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖥𝖺𝖻𝗎𝗅𝗈𝗎𝗌) Pt. 29 "Daddy?" Chip asks, his voice full of concern. "You ok?" Plankton's hand moves. "I don't wanna be touched," he says in annoyance. "Pain." Chip's face falls, but he understands. "Okay, Dad," he says, pulling his hand back. "Do you want me to ge-" "No," Plankton says, his voice firm. "I don't." Karen nods, her eyes knowing. "Remember, Plankton," she says gently. "You might be even more sensitive to touch right now because of the surgery. It's okay to tell us if something bothers you." Chip nods, his expression solemn. They both know that Plankton's autism means senses can be overwhelmed even on a good day. Now, with his mouth sore from the surgery, any touch could be agonizing. Plankton takes a sip of water, but does little for the ache in his jaw. He leans back into the pillows, his eye half-closed. Chip sits on the bed by him. "Dad," Chip starts, his voice tentative. "I'm here for you." Plankton's antennas twitch slightly. "I know, buddy," he says, voice strained. "Thanks." Karen looks at Chip, her eyes filled with appreciation. "Why don't you read to him?" She suggests. "It might help distract him." Chip nods, his mind racing. What would his dad want to hear? He settles on a book about sci-fi, something that usually interested him. He sits down by Plankton on the bed. He opens the book and begins to read, his voice low and steady. "Once upon a time, there was a utopian world," he reads, his eyes glancing at Plankton. His dad's antennas twitch slightly in response. Good, he's listening. As Chip reads about molecules and atoms, Plankton's eye begins to glaze over. The story is interesting, but the pain in his mouth makes it hard to focus. He can feel his anxiety start to rise, his chest getting tighter. Karen notices his discomfort and touches his hand lightly. "Honey, are you okay?" She asks. But then the doorbell rings, interrupting their moment. Chip jumps up, excited for a break. "I'll get it," he says, his voice hopeful. Karen nods, her gaze still on Plankton. Chip finds Sandy at the door! "Hi Chip," she says, her smile wide. "I thought I'd stay a bit, keep y'all company or whatnot." So she follows Chip into his parents bedroom. Plankton's antennae twitch at the sight of Sandy. "Hi," he mumbles, not really focusing. Karen knew this look usually meant an oncoming absence seizure for him. "You okay?" Sandy asks, her eyes searching his. Plankton doesn't respond. Sure enough, Karen knew an absence seizure's starting. Still Sandy approaches, her movements slow and careful, not wanting to overwhelm him. "Plankton?" Plankton's antennae twitch slightly, but he doesn't react. His mind is somewhere else. Karen quickly explains, "It's okay, Sandy. He's having an absence seizure." Sandy gasps, for she has never seen this before. "Oh no," she whispers, her eyes wide. "It's okay Sandy," Karen says, her voice calm. "It's just a part of his autism." Sandy looks at Karen, her eyes questioning. "An absence seizure?" Sandy asks, her voice quiet. Karen nods, her hands steady. "They're harmless, but can be disconcerting if you're not used to them. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, even a few hours." They both sit on his bed. Plankton's antennae twitch once more before his body goes still. The only sign he's alive is his chest rising and falling with his shallow breaths. Sandy watches, concern etched on her face. "What can we do?" she whispers to Karen. Karen shakes her head, keeping her voice low. "Just stay with him. Perhaps talk to him, but don't touch unless he initiates. Keep it calm." Sandy nods, taking a deep breath. She sits on the edge of the bed, her eyes never leaving Plankton's still form. "H- hey, Plankton," she says softly, her voice trembling. "It's me, Sandy. I came to check on you." Karen's eyes never leave Plankton's face, watching closely for any sign of the seizure's end. She smiles gently at Sandy. "It's okay, sometimes he can hear us. Just keep talking." Sandy nods, her voice soft. "Plankton, I'm here," she says. "Your surgery was yesterday!" She smiles nervously, hoping to engage him. Plankton remains motionless. Karen squeezes his hand gently. "You had a good night's sleep," she says, continuing to talk to him as if he's just daydreaming. "Your mouth will heal soon." Sandy nods, her voice even softer. "Yeah, Plankton. And Chip and I are gonna help you through this, okay?" Plankton's antennae barely move. The seizure seems to be continuing. Karen sighs, her hand still in his. Chip watches his dad with a heavy heart. He wishes there was more he could do than just sit doing nothing. He glances at them, his eyes questioning. Karen shakes her head, keeping her voice low. "It's normal," she explains. "It's just his autism making it harder for him to deal with pain. He'll come out of it in his own time." "How might I know when it's over?" Sandy whispers. Karen nods, her gaze still on Plankton. "When his antennae move again, or when he blinks. It's like he's just spaced out, but his brain's not processing anything around him." "How do you know if or when he can hear us?" She asks, watching his chest rise and fall rhythmically. Karen's eyes never leave Plankton's still form. "Sometimes, during these seizures, he can still process what's being said around him. It's like his brain's on pause, but the background's still playing. It's why we keep talking." "So what do we talk about?" She whispers. Karen smiles gently. "Just keep it simple and calm. Talk about his favorite things, or ask questions that don't require an answer." Sandy nods, taking a deep breath. "Plankton," she says softly. "You know, I was thinking, going through surgery can't be easy for anyone, but especially not for someone with sensory issues like you." But still Plankton doesn't budge. But Sandy's still curious. "Karen, why doesn't he blink during these?" Sandy whispers, her eyes never leaving his face. "It's a part of the seizure," Karen says quietly. "His body goes still, and his brain does not send signals to blink or move. It's like his body's frozen in time. Why don't you try to keep his mind engaged?" Sandy nods, leaning closer. "Plankton," she whispers. "You know what I was thinking?" Her voice is soft, almost a sing-song. "We could have ice cream. What do you think?" There's a pause. Then, a tiny twitch in his antenna. Karen smiles. It's working. "Maybe mint chocolate chip," Sandy suggests, her voice soothing. "Or would you prefer vanilla?" "Villa," Plankton replies, a glimmer of life returning to his eye. Karen's smile widens. "Look, he's coming back," she whispers. Chip's eyes light up, his voice eager. "Can we have ice cream too?" Karen nods. "Of course. But let's wait until later." Plankton's antennae twitch slightly, but his eye remained unblinking. So Sandy tries again. "What's your favorite flavor, Plankton?" She asks him, her voice barely above a whisper. This time, there's more life in his antennae. They wave slightly. "Villa," he murmurs. Sandy nods. "Okay, vanilla it is. Great! We'll have a little celebration later with your ice cream, okay?" And then, finally, his eye blinks. "Welcome back," Karen says, her voice a warm smile. Chip's face breaks into a grin, and Sandy looks at him with a mix of relief and curiosity. Plankton looks around a bit confused, seeing Sandy sitting by him. "S-Sandy?" He says, his voice weak. "How long have you been here!" Sandy smiles warmly, her eyes filled with relief. "Not long," she says. "Just waited for you to come back to us." Plankton nods, his antennas drooping. "I-I must've had a seizure.." Karen nods gently. "Yes, you did," she confirms. "But it's over now, and you're ok." She squeezes his hand, her eyes full of warmth and reassurance. Sandy scoots beside Plankton. "Back when I was in Texas, I gotta extra copy of a Texan science book and just knew you'd like to keep it!" She pulls out a big book. Plankton's eye lit up. "Ooh, let's look at the index!" "What, why the index?" Sandy asks. "It's just a part of his autistic brain that he always likes the index." Karen interjects. "Read the title and page to him; it might help him relax a bit." Sandy nods, her voice soft as she reads. "Alright, Plankton. 'The Wonders of Texas Mechanics'... page 32. 'Life in Texas'... page 110." Sandy holds the book in front of them as Plankton peers over by her shoulder, following along. Sandy continues on reading. "Texan Electricity... page 240. Alien Technology... page 478. Unusual Texas Phenomena... page 520. New Texan Inventions... page 600." Sandy reads on. "Discoveries in Texas Biology... page 780. The Molecular Universe... page 850. Li—" Sandy is cut off by a soft snore. Plankton's antennae had stopped twitching and his eye was now fully closed. Sandy looks to find his head resting against her arm, his mouth slightly open. Karen smiles gently. "Looks like he's out," she whispers. Sandy nods, setting the book down carefully. "I think so," she whispers back. "He must be exhausted. And the pain probably wore him out." They sit in quiet companionship. His snores are soft and rhythmic. Sandy's arm is now around Plankton's shoulders, supporting him. Chip looks at his mom and Sandy, a question in his eyes. Karen nods. "It's okay," she whispers. "Let him sleep. He needs rest." Sandy nods with compassion. She gently shifts her arm around Plankton, making sure his head is comfortably propped on her shoulder. Chip watches, feeling a mix of awe and confusion. He's never seen his dad trusting and relaxed. Karen whispers, "Why don't you go play, Chip? We'll keep an eye on him." Chip nods, his eyes lingering on his father. He doesn't want to leave, but he understands that his dad needs peace.

THE TOOTH OF A CHILD i Karen had been pacing the waiting room. Finally, the doors swung open and Dr. Castellanos stepped out. Karen rushed over. "How's Plankton?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly. Dr. Castellanos offered a small, reassuring smile. "The surgery went well. We removed all four wisdom teeth without any complications. He's in recovery." Karen followed the dentist Dr. Castellanos down the hallway. They entered a small, curtained area. There lay Plankton, his snoring soft and even, surrounded by the beeping monitors. Karen felt a gentle wave of relief wash over her, seeing his usually furrowed brow now relaxed in sleep, his mouth slightly ajar. "We numbed his mouth even though he's slept under the anesthesia, so he might not feel that part of his face for today. The anesthesia can normally cause patients to act a bit peculiar when they first wake up," Dr. Castellanos explained as Karen studied Plankton's slack features, his antennae twitching with each snore. As if on cue, a string of drool slithered out of the corner of Plankton's mouth and dangled. Karen chuckled at the absurdity of it all. "Don't worry, it's perfectly normal," Dr. Castellanos assured her with a gentle pat on the shoulder. "The numbness can cause that. It'll wear off by tomorrow. He'll wake up anytime though." Karen nodded, her eyes never leaving Plankton's peaceful face. The surgery was a success, but she knew the real test would be when he came to. Would he be in pain? Would he be groggy or scared? The what-ifs swirled in her mind like a tornado of uncertainty. The room grew quiet, the only sounds the persistent rhythm of the heart monitor and Plankton's slight snores. Karen pulled up a chair and took his hand, her thumb gently stroking the back of his palm. As the minutes ticked by, the curtain around the bed parted and in stepped a nurse, her shoes squeaking softly on the clean, white floor. "Miss?" she said quietly. "When Mr. Plankton wakes up, he might be disoriented. We've prepared a cup of water if he's thirsty." Karen nodded her understanding, squeezing Plankton's hand slightly. The nurse checked the monitors and stayed with them. Karen leaned in, whispering to Plankton, "You're going to be okay." Eventually, Plankton's snoring grew less pronounced, and his eye began to flutter open. He looked around the unfamiliar space with a dazed expression, confused and unfocused. Karen leaned in closer, her eyes brimming with a mix of concern and relief. Plankton's eye settled on Karen's face. She offered a tentative smile, not wanting to startle him. "Hey, buddy," she whispered, her voice soothing. "You're all done. You're in recovery now." His eyes searched hers, slowly focusing. He tried to mouth a question, but the numbness took hold. All that came out was a muffled, "Mmmm?" Karen's smile grew wider. "You're okay," she assured him, her voice calm and soothing. "You had your wisdom teeth removed. Remember?" Plankton blinked a few times, his gaze flicking from Karen to the unfamiliar surroundings and back again. He attempted to speak again. "Mmph?" It was barely audible, his mouth refusing to cooperate. Karen nodded, her grip on his hand tightening slightly. "You're in the dentist, remember? You had surgery to remove your wisdom teeth." Plankton's eye grew wider, his mind trying to piece together the hazy fragments of memory. "Windom eet?" Karen chuckled despite herself. "Yes, all four," she confirmed, nodding. Plankton's eye grew even wider, and he managed to nod, a look of astonishment spreading across his face. The nurse came over. "Here, let's help you sit up," she said, placing a pillow behind his back. As Plankton sat up, his face contorted with confusion, his mouth feeling like it was filled with marshmallows. He tried to talk again. "Mmph... Kahen...?" he slurred, his tongue fumbling over the words. Karen laughed softly. "Yes, I'm here," she said. Plankton's eye lit up at the sound of her voice, and his cheeks puffed up as he tried to smile. "Mmph... gweat," he managed to say, the words a garbled mess. Karen couldn't help but laugh at his endearing attempt to speak, his numbness adding an unintentional comedic twist to the situation. He reached out a wobbly arm, his hand grasping for the cup of water the nurse had left on the tray. Karen carefully lifted it to his lips, supporting his head as he took a sip. The cool liquid trickled down his throat, a welcome reprieve from the dryness. "Mmph, gwood," he murmured. The nurse gave a knowing smile, accustomed to the peculiarities of waking patients. Karen couldn't help but be enchanted by Plankton's delirious state. His usual stern expression was replaced with one of pure joy, his eye twinkling like stars on a cloudless night. He began to flail his arms around, knocking over the surgical tray with a clatter. The nurse quickly intervened, stabilizing the situation with a laugh. "Whoa there, Mr. Plankton! Take it easy," she said, her voice filled with good humor. With great effort, Plankton managed to articulate a slurred sentence, his mouth feeling like cotton. "Kahen, teww me a stoy," he begged, his speech garbled by the anesthesia. Karen was surprised by the childlike innocence in his tone. Karen glanced at the nurse, who nodded with amusement. She took a deep breath, thinking of a simple tale that wouldn't cause any distress. "Once upon a time, there was Plankton, and he gets to go home from the dentist. The end!" Plankton's eye squinted, his antennae waving slightly. "Mmph... wow, a reawy gweat stoy," he slurred, satisfied with the storytelling for now. The nurse, unfazed by the unusual scene, began to prep his discharge papers. Karen couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her chest, watching his vulnerability. The fierce, cunning villain she knew from the cartoons had been replaced by a gentle soul, his words as jumbled as a bowl of alphabet soup. "Mmph, Kahen," Plankton slurred again, his hand reaching for her arm. "Whas' tha... tha...?" He pointed to the monitor, his curiosity piqued by the dancing lines and numbers. "That's your heart rate, buddy," Karen explained, her voice still tinged with amusement. "It's showing that you're okay." Plankton nodded, his antennae waving with excitement. "Mmph... mow...?" he managed, his mouth feeling like it had been stuffed with pillows. Karen leaned in, her laughter bubbling up. "It's okay, you're just talking funny because of the medicine." Plankton's eye grew more curious. He pointed at his mouth with a thumb, his antennae drooping. "I... hoth?" Karen nodded, her smile sympathetic. "No, buddy, you're just numb. It'll go away." Plankton's antennae perked up. "Whuh, wike dis?" he asked, his voice still slurred. He tried to stick out his tongue, only to find it thick and uncooperative. Karen nodded. "Exactly like that. But don't worry, you're doing fine," she said, her tone reassuring. Plankton's cheeks puffed up as he nodded, his eye glued to the monitor with childlike wonder.

WISDOMS ii The car pulled out of the dental office's lot, tires humming against the asphalt. "Hang in there buddy," Patrick said. Plankton's head lolled to the side, a stream of drool escaping the corner of his mouth. "Hey, Plankton, you ok?" Sponge Bob asked nudging him gently. Plankton's only response was a faint, "Mmph," as his head grew heavier and his body leaned in to Sponge Bob's side. Sponge Bob, ever the gentle soul, adjusted his position to accommodate his tiny friend, offering his shoulder as a makeshift pillow. The car's gentle sway and the comforting hum of the engine soon lulled Plankton into sleep. His breathing grew rhythmic as he snored lightly. Patrick leaned over to whisper, "Aw, isn't that cute?" Sponge Bob nodded, a soft smile spreading across his face. He knew Plankton had been nervous about the appointment. They had all been through a lot together but this was the first time Plankton had allowed himself to be this vulnerable. Patrick, ever the opportunist, decided to take advantage of the situation. He leaned over snapping a photo with his phone. "Look at this," he whispered to Karen, showing her the picture with a wide grin. Karen rolled her eyes, keeping her focus on the road. "You do know he's going to get you when he sees that, right?" Patrick just shrugged, his grin unwavering. "It's just a little joke, Karen. Besides, he's out cold." The car ride back to the Chum Bucket was quiet, only interrupted by the occasional snort from Plankton's snores and the soft murmur of the radio. Karen's eyes darted to the rearview mirror, watching the unlikely companions. Sponge Bob felt a strange sense of peace, his arm around his arch-nemesis-turned-friend providing comfort and support. As the car approached the Chum Bucket, Plankton's snores grew louder, echoing in the small enclosed space. Sponge Bob couldn't help but chuckle quietly, feeling the warmth and weight of his friend against him. It was a peculiar sight, the villainous Plankton, usually so full of energy and cunning schemes, now reduced to a sleeping, drooling mess. But in this moment, all animosity was forgotten. They were just friends sharing a car ride home after a long day. Karen pulled into the Chum Bucket's dilapidated parking lot, the headlights casting eerie shadows across the rusted metal exterior. She turned off the engine and the silence grew thick. Plankton's snores seemed to fill the void, a gentle reminder of the peacefulness that had descended upon them. Sponge Bob carefully lifted Plankton's head off his shoulder. "Hey, Plankton, we're home," he whispered. Plankton's eye fluttered open, and he looked around, momentarily confused. Then, he groaned and rubbed his jaw. "Oh," he mumbled, his voice thick. Sponge Bob and Patrick helped him out of the car, each taking an arm to support him as he swayed on his tiny legs. The anesthesia still had a firm grip on him, making his movements clumsy and awkward. "Careful," Karen warned. The two friends carefully maneuvered Plankton door of the Chum Bucket, his feet barely touching the ground as they shuffled along. Plankton's usual meticulousness had been replaced by post-surgical disarray. Sponge Bob and Patrick gently set him down on the couch. "I got you some new fresh gauze," Sponge Bob offered. "Open up!" Plankton, still groggy, opened his mouth allowed Sponge Bob to place the gauze. "Tanks," he murmured, his voice muffled by the material. He leaned back into the couch cushions, his eye drifting shut again. Patrick and Sponge Bob exchanged a look. "Do you need anything else?" Sponge Bob asked, his voice gentle and concerned. "N-no," Plankton stuttered. "Jush nee... tiwweeddd." "Alright, we'll be right here," Patrick assured him, plopping down onto an armchair. Sponge Bob took a seat on the floor beside the couch. Patrick, ever the one for a good laugh, couldn't resist teasing Plankton. "You know what they say, Plankton," he quipped. "A picture's worth a thousand words!" Sponge Bob shot him a warning look but Plankton was already snoring again, oblivious to the potential embarrassment that awaited him when he woke up. The two friends settled in for an unexpected night at the Chum Bucket. The next morning Plankton's the last to wake up, any trace of anesthesia now gone. He stirred slowly, his single eye blinking open to the harsh reality of daylight filtering through the grimy windows. His mouth felt like it was filled with cotton, and his jaw ached. He tried to sit up. "Whoa, easy," SpongeBob said, placing a comforting hand on Plankton's shoulder. "You had quite the nap." Plankton's eye widened as he took in his surroundings. He was in his own living room, but Sponge Bob and Patrick were sitting there, too. His mind raced as he tried to piece together what had happened. He touched his mouth gingerly, feeling the gauze. "Wh...what?" he croaked. Plankton's confusion grew as the fog of anesthesia lifted. "You had a little dental work done," Sponge Bob said with a smile. "Remember?" Plankton's eye narrowed as his only memories of yesterday began to flood back. The dentist's chair, the bright lights, and his mouth open for wisdom teeth? "You mean, I actually went through wivv it?" he whispered to himself, hand shooting to his mouth. "Yeah, you did," Patrick said, his grin spreading wider. "And you slept like a baby all the way home." Plankton looked down, his mind racing. "How did I get here?" he asked, his voice still thick with grogginess. "Well, you don't remember?" Patrick said with a smirk. "We had to practically carry you out of the dentist's office and into the car." "What? You... you carried me?" he sputtered, indignation rising in his tone. Sponge Bob nodded trying to keep his laughter at bay. "You were pretty out of it, Plankton." Plankton's eyes grew as realization sank in. "Wait, you thaw me wike that?" He sat up to quickly, wincing as pain shot through his jaw. "What did I do?" Sponge Bob handed him a glass of water. "Don't worry, you just fell asleep." Plankton took the water with a trembling hand, his mind racing. "But... what abou- my... my dignity?" Sponge Bob chuckled. "Don't worry Plankton. You've still got plenty of that. You just needed a little help, is all." Patrick couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Yeah, you were so out of it, you didn't even notice when I took a selfie of us all in the car. Sponge Bob was being such a good nurse!" Plankton glowered at the starfish. "You what!" Patrick held up his phone, showing the incriminating photo. Plankton, mouth wide open and drooling, was sandwiched between the two friends. Sponge Bob looked concerned and slightly amused, while Patrick was grinning like he'd just won the Krabby Patty secret formula. "I sent it to ourselves!" "You... you..." he sputtered, unable to form a coherent sentence. The sight of himself drooling and vulnerable was so much. His pride had always been his armor, and it had been dented. Patrick chuckled, enjoying the moment. "Don't worry, Plankton. It'll be our little secret." "You're lucky I don't remember thish," he grumbled. Sponge Bob got fresh gauze for Plankton. "Open up," he instructed. With a begrudging sigh, Plankton complied. His mouth was a cavern of pain. Sponge Bob gently placed the gauze in, and Plankton couldn't help but wince. "Thanks," he murmured, his voice sounding even smaller than usual. The room was quiet for a moment, then, the silence was broken by a notification from Patrick's phone. He picked it up and looked at the screen, his grin growing even wider. "What?" Plankton asked suspiciously, his pride still bruised. Patrick couldn't hold it in any longer. He burst in to laughter, holding out his phone to show the latest meme he'd created from the photo. It was the picture of Plankton drooling onto Sponge Bob's shoulder, with the caption: "When you realize you're too small to get your own wisdom teeth out without snoring through it." Sponge Bob's cheeks turned pink with laughter, despite his efforts to remain serious. "Patrick, that's not nice," he managed to say between chuckles. "What? He did," Patrick exclaimed. Plankton's embarrassed. "I... I did not," he protested weakly. "Oh, but you did," Sponge Bob said, his laughter bubbling up. He couldn't help himself; the sight of Plankton all loopy from anesthesia was to much. "It was kind of adorable." Plankton huffed, but despite his embarrassment, he couldn't stay to mad at them. They had been there for him, and that was worth something. He took a sip of water. "You two are never to speak of this again." Sponge Bob and Patrick nodded solemnly. Eventually, Plankton's eye grew heavy again, and he drifted off into a nap. "Looks like he's out," Patrick said. Sponge Bob nodded, still smiling at the thought of Plankton's uncharacteristic vulnerability. "We should let him rest." Patrick stood up, stretching his arms. "Yeah, I guess we've had our fun for the day. Time to let you get back to your schemes, Plankton." Sponge Bob gently placed a pillow under Plankton's head. "Rest up, buddy. We can check on you later."

NONE OF THE WISER 2/3 Plankton blinked a few times, his mind foggy with the remnants of the anesthesia. "Wisdom... teeth?" he mumbled, his voice groggy. "Oh...right." He tried to sit up, but the nurse had anticipated his movement and gently pushed him back down. "Take it easy, Mr. Plankton," she said, her voice soothing. "You need to rest. The surgery went well, yet your body is still recovering." Plankton looked up at the nurse with a dazed expression, his eye struggling to focus. The world felt wobbly, like jelly. "But, but, I... I don't remember anything," he mumbled, his voice thick with confusion. Sponge Bob chuckled softly. "That's because you were asleep, Plankton," he said, his tone still filled with the gentle patience from earlier. Plankton's eye searched the room, looking for something familiar. "Sponge...Bob?" he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Right here, buddy," Sponge Bob said, patting his hand reassuringly. Plankton's gaze finally found him, and a goofy smile spread across his face. "You...you're...so...spongy," he giggled, his words still slurred from the medication. Sponge Bob couldn't help but laugh at his friend's loopy state. "You're pretty funny when you're all doped up," he said, his heart swelling with affection. Plankton's usual sharp tongue was now a jumble of nonsensical giggles and random thoughts. "Everything's...so...so...shiny," Plankton mumbled, his eye half-open and unfocused. He tried to lift his head to look around the room, but the effort was too much, and he flopped back down onto the pillow with a contented sigh. Sponge Bob chuckled, watching his friend's antics with amusement. "It's the medicine, Plankton," he said, patting his hand. "It's making everything seem a bit... different." Plankton's eye grew wide as he stared at the ceiling. "Look at those lights! I…" he exclaimed, pointing upwards with a wobbly finger. "They're just lights, Plankton," Sponge Bob said, his voice filled with amusement. Plankton's eye rolled around in his head like a marble in a pinball machine. "No, no, they're not just lights," he insisted, his voice taking on a dreamy quality. "They're... they're the stars of the sea... twinkling... twinkling... for me." Sponge Bob couldn't hold back his laughter anymore. The sight of his usually cunning adversary reduced to a babbling, star-gazing patient was to much. "You're definitely feeling the effects of that medicine," he said, shaking his head. Plankton's smile grew even wider, if that was possible. "I... I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of marshmallows," he slurred, his limbs moving in a slow, dream like fashion. "Everything's so...so... squishy!" Sponge Bob couldn't help but laugh at his friend's silliness. "Marshmallows, huh?" he said, gently poking Plankton's arm. "You're definitely feeling the love from those meds." Plankton's smile grew even goofier as he nodded. "Yeah, I... I think I'm in love with this pillow," he mumbled, hugging it tightly to his chest. The nurse chuckled as she checked his chart. "The effects of the anesthesia can be quite entertaining," she said with a wink. Sponge Bob watched as Plankton began to drift off again, his chuckles turning into snores. "Rest up, buddy," he whispered, still holding onto his hand. "You're going to need all the energy you can get for when you wake up." As Plankton slept, Sponge Bob's thoughts turned to the Krabby Patty secret recipe. It had always been a source of contention between them, but in that moment, it didn't seem as important as it once did. He knew Plankton would be back to his old tricks soon enough, but for now, he was just happy to see his friend safe and sound. The nurse returned to the room, her smile just as bright as before. "Alright, Mr. Plankton, it's time for you to go to your recovery room," she said, her voice cheerful. Plankton's eye shot open, and he looked around, his gaze still a bit hazy. "Recovery...room?" he mumbled. "But...but I'm already in a room!" His giggles bubbled up again, and Sponge Bob couldn't help but join in. The nurse, unfazed by Plankton's state, carefully lifted him onto the gurney. "You're going to a special room where you can rest and let the medication wear off," she explained, her voice soothing. "It's like a VIP lounge for post-surgery patients." Plankton's smile grew even dopier as he took in her words. "VIP...lounge...sounds...sounds like...like...a secret lair!" he exclaimed, his imagination clearly still running wild despite the sedatives. Sponge Bob helped the nurse maneuver the gurney out of the surgical room, the wheels squeaking slightly on the linoleum floor. The recovery room was dimly lit, with soft blue lights that reminded him of the ocean at night. Plankton was laid down on a comfortable chair, surrounded by pillows and blankets. "Now, you just stay here and rest," she said, patting him on the shoulder. "Your friend Sponge Bob can keep you company." Plankton nodded, his smile never leaving his face. "Friend...Sponge Bob," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His thoughts were a whirlpool of jellyfish-shaped clouds, each one filled with a different, nonsensical idea. The recovery room was quiet, the only sounds the occasional beep of the heart monitor and the gentle lapping of the waves outside. Plankton's eye, usually sharp and calculating, now glazed over with contentment. "He'll be like this for a while," she said, her voice low so as not to disturb Plankton. "The medication can make people say some pretty out there things." Sponge Bob nodded, his gaze still on Plankton's peaceful face. "It's like he's in his own little world," he said, his voice filled with wonder. The nurse chuckled. "It's the anesthesia. It can do funny things to people," she said, jotting down notes on Plankton's chart. "But don't worry, he'll be back to his usual self in no time." Plankton's face was a picture of pure bliss, his mouth hanging open slightly as he drooled onto the pillow. "Sponge Bob," he mumbled, his voice thick with the aftermath of the anesthesia. "You... you're... so...so...fluffy." Sponge Bob couldn't help but laugh at Plankton's loopy antics. "Fluffy?" he echoed, gently wiping the drool away with a tissue. "I think you're still a little out of it, buddy." Plankton giggled, his eye half-closed. "Yeah, I... I am," he admitted, his voice a slur. "But, but you're so...so...comfortable!" He leaned into the sponge, his head lolling against Sponge Bob's shoulder. Sponge Bob couldn't help but laugh, feeling the warmth of Plankton's body against his own. "Well, I'm not going anywhere," he said, his voice filled with affectionate amusement. "So, go ahead, get comfortable." Plankton's giggles grew softer, his eye finally closing all the way. His breathing evened out, and Sponge Bob knew he was asleep. He gently placed the pillow under Plankton's head, making sure he was comfortable. The nurse returned to the room, her eyes twinkling with amusement at the sight of them. "He'll be out for a bit," she said. "You can stay here as long as you like." Sponge Bob nodded, not wanting to leave Plankton's side. He had never seen him so... peaceful. The doctor's words echoed in his mind: "Take it easy, Mr. Plankton. You need to rest." It was strange to hear those words directed at someone who was usually so full of energy and schemes. The nurse dimmed the lights, leaving the room in a gentle glow. The soft hum of the hospital machinery and the distant sound of waves outside the window filled the space. Sponge Bob watched as Plankton's chest rose and fell, his breathing slow and steady. It was like watching a tiny, harmless sea creature, rather than the usual plotting nemesis. Plankton's head lolled to the side, his mouth hanging open slightly. Sponge Bob couldn't help but chuckle. He'd never seen Plankton so relaxed, so utterly carefree. It was as if all the tension between them had been washed away with the waves of anesthesia. The nurse returned with a cup of ice chips, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the quiet room. "Here you go, Mr. Plankton," she said, her voice gentle as she offered the cup. "These will help with the swelling." Plankton's eye slowly opened, his pupil dilated and unfocused. "Wha... what's that?" he mumbled, his voice still thick with the medication. Sponge Bob looked down at the ice chips in the cup. "It's just some ice to help with swelling," he said, holding it up for Plankton to see. "You're supposed to put in your mouth." Plankton's eye grew wide with excitement, his pupil dilating even further. "Oooh, ice," he murmured, his voice still slurred. He reached for the cup with a wobbly arm, his hand barely missing it several times before finally making contact. Sponge Bob couldn't help but laugh as he took the cup from the nurse and held it to Plankton's lips. "Here you go, buddy," he said, his voice filled with kindness. "Just a little bit." Plankton's tongue flicked out, tasting the cold ice. His eye rolled back in his head as he let out a contented sigh. "Ahh... heaven," he mumbled, his speech still thick with the sedatives. He took a few more chips, his chewing slow and methodical. Sponge Bob watched him, his smile never faltering. It was strange, seeing the usually crafty Plankton so doped up and docile. The nurse had warned him that the medication could cause some people to become overly affectionate, but he didn't expect him to be quite this intense.

WISDOMS i Plankton had an appointment at the dentist and Karen promised to take him. SpongeBob, an ever-cheerful neighbor, had offered to come along. The trio stepped out of the car, the door of dentist's office chiming a tune that seemed like the 'Jolly Roger' theme. Sponge Bob bounced in place. The door to the room opened, and in waddled Dr. Bubblefish. "Ah, Mr. Plankton, right on time for x-rays!" The room was a stark contrast to the playful tune. It smelled faintly of mint and antiseptic, with the metallic instruments glinting in bright lights. Dr. Bubblefish waddled over, his flippers moving swiftly as he gestured to the chair. Plankton's eye darts around. "Now, Mr. Plankton if you could just open wide," Dr. Bubblefish instructed holding up a contraption. Karen gave a gentle pat on his shoulder. "It's ok, Plankton. It'll be over before you know it," she assured with a comforting smile. Plankton took a deep breath and opened his mouth. Sponge Bob stood by his side. Dr. Bubblefish slid the x-ray plate in to place and positioned the contraption. "Here we go," he announced, as he stepped back and pressed the button. Sponge Bob watched in fascination. "Alright, all done!" The plate was removed, and Dr. Bubblefish took a moment to examine the results. "Hmm," he murmured, holding the film up to the light. "It seems we have a situation with your wisdom teeth." Plankton's eye bulged with alarm. "Wisdom teeth?" he squeaked. "But I'm a microscopic creature! I don't have room for those!" Dr. Bubblefish nodded solemnly. "Which is why we need to remove now them to prevent any issues." Karen's grip tightened on Plankton's shoulder. "Removal?" Dr. Bubblefish nodded. "It's the best course of action, a common procedure." The doctor led them into his office, walls lined with diplomas. Dr. Bubblefish noticed apprehension and offered a smile. "Now, Mr. Plankton, I know this might be a bit daunting, but I assure you, I'm quite skilled at working. Let's go over details of the procedure, shall we?" Karen's grip tightened more. "You're going to be ok," she whispered. Sponge Bob, the optimist, patted Plankton's arm. "Don't worry, buddy!" Plankton swallowed hard as he sat down in the chair. It was like sitting in a moon crater compared to his usual chair at the Chum Bucket. He gripped the chair's armrests. "But how does it work?" Plankton's voice tight with anxiety. "It's quite simple really. We use anesthesia," he explained, "which will drift off to sleep. You won't feel a thing." "It's like a little nap," Karen offered trying to ease his fears. Dr. Bubblefish nodded. "The anesthesia will make you unconscious for duration of the procedure. It's safe painless way to ensure you don't experience discomfort during extraction." The doctor began preparing. Sponge Bob looks through the window, mix of curiosity and concern. He had never seen anything like this. Plankton's eye pleaded with him for assurance, and Sponge Bob gave him a thumbs up. The chair reclined, and Karen held Plankton's hand tightly. "Ready?" Dr. Bubblefish asked, voice a gentle rumble. Plankton nodded, though his eye shut. Karen squeezed his hand. "You can do this, Plankton," she whispered. The doctor approached with what looked like a pair of tiny tongs. "This will help keep your mouth open," he said, inserting the device into Plankton's mouth. The nurse came over. "This is the anesthesia," she said cheerfully, tentacles flicking the air. "It'll make every thing nice and relaxing." Plankton nodded, his grip tightening. He felt the room spin. "Just breathe," Karen said, the only steady thing in the spinning room. "You're great." Sponge Bob watched as Plankton's eye lid grew heavy, his grip on chair armrests loosening. Dr. Bubblefish nods to the nurse. Plankton took a deep breath, eye shut, body went slack. His grip on the chair arm rests loosened and his breaths grew even. Karen felt a mix of relief and anxiety as the doctor nodded in satisfaction. "And he's out," he murmured. The room was silent except for the occasional blip of medical equipment and sound of Dr. Bubblefish preparing for the extraction. Karen's gaze fixed on Plankton, watching his chest rise and fall with each breath. Sponge Bob leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. Plankton remained still, lost in his anesthesia-induced slumber. "Sponge Bob, you can wait out side now," Karen said gently never leaving her husband. After surgery, Karen calls Sponge Bob from the waiting room. "He's in recovery now," she says. "You can come see him." Sponge Bob bounces in, eyes wide with excitement. He goes in the room, his curiosity piqued by the sight of Plankton lying peacefully on the chair, his mouth slightly open but without the prop anymore. Plankton's hand lies limp on his own lap. The room remained silent except for the steady beep of the heart monitor and occasional snore from Plankton. "The surgery went well. He'll wake in a bit." Sponge Bob peers closer at Plankton, noticing drool formed at the corner of his mouth. He reaches out and gently strokes Plankton's forehead. "You're ok," he whispers. But Plankton was deep in the abyss of sleep, breathing even and calm. "What's that?" he pointed to a beeping machine. Karen looked over. "That's a monitor," she said softly. "It makes sure everything's ok with Plankton while he's out." The nurse comes in checking vitals. "He's doing great," she says with a nod. "He'll wake up soon." "Wakey, wakey, Plankton," Sponge Bob whispers, a hint of excitement in his voice. He reaches out a finger, gently poking Plankton's arm. No response. Plankton's chest continues to rise and fall rhythmically. Plankton didn't react. "Wow, he's really out," Sponge Bob murmured. "Just don't startle him. He'll wake up groggy." The nurse gently wiped Plankton's mouth with a damp cloth, cleaning away the drool. Plankton's head lolled to the side. "Alright, let's get some gauze," Dr. Bubblefish said, voice interrupting the quiet. Sponge Bob's eyes grew even wider as he watched the nurse carefully fold a piece of white gauze in to a minuscule square. It looked like a tiny cloud in her tentacle. She approached Plankton with the utmost care, as if handling some thing incredibly delicate. With a gentle touch, she inserted gauze into Plankton's mouth, pressing it against his gums. Plankton didn't flinch or stir, his breathing deep and even. The nurse stepped back and gave a satisfied nod. "Alright, he's all set," Dr. Bubblefish said, his voice a comforting rumble. "The gauze will help with any bleeding and keep the area clean." Karen nodded. "Thank you, doctor," she murmured. The room remained silent, except for the steady beep of the heart monitor and the occasional snore from Plankton. "Let's get you sitting up, Mr. Plankton," Dr. Bubblefish instructed as he lifted Plankton's head back up. The chair whirred in to an upright position. After a few moments, Plankton's eye lid began to flutter. He blinked, his vision blurry from anesthesia. He groaned, mouth feeling strange and full. "You're all done!" "Plankton," Karen says, voice soft and warm. Sponge Bob nods eagerly, his eyes never leaving Plankton's face. "How do you feel?" he asks. "Wha..." Plankton mumbles, voice muffled by the gauze. "Wh-where am I?" Karen chuckles. "You're in the dentist's office, Plankton. You had wisdom teeth removed." Sponge Bob's face lights up. "Yeah, buddy, you're all fixed up!" Karen gently helps Plankton sit up, supporting him with an arm around his back. "You're going to feel a bit woozy," she warns. Plankton spots Sponge Bob's grinning face. "Hey, Spongey," he says, his voice still slurred. "Hey, Planky!" Sponge Bob says, smile growing wide. "You're done! No more teeth woes for you!" "W-who's Planky?" Plankton mumbles, voice thick from anesthesia. Sponge Bob laughs, his laugh echoing. "That's you, buddy! Planky, Plankton!" "I survived the tooth monster.." Sponge Bob nods. "Yep, the pesky things in your mouth supposed to make smarter were just causing trouble!" "Troub...troub...tweef?" "Yes, Plankton. Your wisdom teeth are gone." "Miwwow, miwwow, on the wawl," he slurred, wobbly. "Do I wook smarter wi’out my tweef?" Patrick Star was waiting outside the dentist office, his large, star-shaped body leaning against the wall. Patrick Star was waiting outside the dentist's office, his large, star-shaped body leaning against the wall. He had heard that Sponge Bob was escorting Plankton and Karen to the appointment. Once Plankton was discharged, the four crammed into the car. Plankton sat in between Sponge Bob and Patrick, but was too groggy to care. Karen took the wheel, her grip firm. "Alright, let's get you home," she said, starting the engine.

NONE OF THE WISER 3/3 As Plankton chewed on his ice chips, his grip on reality grew looser and looser. The nurse looked over at them, her smile never faltering. "It's the medication," she assured Sponge Bob, shaking her head. "He'll be fine." Plankton's giggles grew even louder, his eye watering with joy. "You... you're the best... best... best Sponge Bob ever!" he exclaimed, his arm shooting up to give Sponge Bob a high-five. It was a gesture that was met with air, as his coordination was still compromised by the anesthesia. Sponge Bob couldn't help but laugh, his heart swelling with warmth. He had never seen Plankton so... so utterly ridiculous. "Thanks, Plankton," he said, his voice filled with affection. "But maybe save the high- fives for when you're not so... wobbly ." Plankton's arm flopped back onto the chair, his smile still plastered on his face. "Wob... wobbly," he repeated, his eye crossing slightly as he tried to focus on Sponge Bob. "You know, I've always... always wondered what it's like to be... to be a jellyfish." He began to sway slightly, his body mimicking the graceful movements of the jellyfish in the sea. Sponge Bob couldn't hold back his laughter any longer. "You're definitely not a jellyfish," he said, his voice filled with mirth. "But I’m afraid I saw you’d bitten your cheek or tongue in your numbed state.." Plankton's grin grew even wider, his cheeks reddening with the effort. "I'm... I'm a sea worm," he said, his voice a drunken slur. "But in my heart, I'm a... a... jellyfish!" He began to wobble his body back and forth, his movements exaggerated and clumsy. Sponge Bob couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "You're definitely not a jellyfish," he said, his voice filled with affectionate teasing. "But you're definitely something special Plankton." The nurse checked Plankton's vitals one last time before leaving them to rest. "Remember, Mr. Plankton, don't bite your cheeks," she said, a knowing smile on her face. Plankton nodded solemnly, his eye still half- closed. "I'll... I'll be... careful," he murmured, his voice a slow, lazy drawl. Sponge Bob couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for his well-being. It was a strange feeling, but one that felt oddly right in that moment. Karen standing there, her robotic eyes blinking in surprise at the sight of him. "Karen?" Plankton mumbled, his voice groggy. "You came?" "Of course, I did, you little meatball," Karen said, her voice filled with the usual sass. "I'm your ride home." She looked at Sponge Bob with gratitude. Sponge Bob helped Plankton sit up, who was still groggy from the anesthesia. "Thanks for taking care of him," Karen said, her tone softer than Sponge Bob had ever heard. "No problem, Karen," he replied, his smile genuine. "He's... well, he's not all bad." Karen's expression softened, something Sponge Bob had rarely seen. "Thank you, Sponge Bob," she said, her robotic voice sounding almost warm. "You've always had a way of seeing the best in him." With Karen's help, they managed to get Plankton into the car. The drive to the Chum Bucket was a blur of twinkling streetlights and the soothing hum of the engine. Plankton leaned his head against the window, eye half-closed, mumbling to himself about jellyfish ballet and the beauty of Krabby Patties. Karen chuckled, shaking her head at his nonsensical ramblings. Sponge Bob sat in the back, feeling a strange mix of amusement and concern. He'd never seen Plankton like this before— so vulnerable, so open. It was as if the surgery had peeled back a layer of his tough exterior, revealing the softer core beneath. Karen navigated the streets of Bikini Bottom with ease, the neon lights of the underwater city reflecting off her metallic exterior. Plankton's mumbling grew quieter, his breaths deepening as the painkillers and exhaustion pulled him into a sleep. Sponge Bob watched him, his thoughts swirling with a newfound understanding of the tiny villain. As they approached the Chum Bucket, the garish sign loomed over them, its neon lights flickering like a beacon in the murky water. The car came to a gentle stop outside the grimy building, and Sponge Bob helped Karen unbuckle Plankton from his seat. "Careful," Karen warned, her robotic arm steadying him as they made their way to the door. The inside of the Chum bucket was a stark contrast to the hospital—messy and cluttered with contraptions and half-eaten food. Plankton's eye lit up with a mix of pain and nostalgia as he took in his surroundings. "Home sweet home," he slurred, his smile genuine despite the chaos. Sponge Bob and Karen managed to get him into his bed, the springs groaning under his weight. Plankton looked up at them with a dazed expression. "Than...thank you," he mumbled, his eye already drooping again. Karen turned to Sponge Bob, her robotic eyes gleaming in the dim light of the room. "Thank you for being here," she said, her voice filled with a rare sincerity. "I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but you're a true friend to him." Sponge Bob felt a warmth spread through his pores, his eyes misting over slightly. "It's... it's no problem, Karen," he stuttered, feeling a lump in his throat. "He's... well, he's Plankton." Karen's robotic hand patted his shoulder in a rare gesture of camaraderie. "You're a good sport, Sponge Bob," she said, a hint of affection in her voice. "Now, let him get some rest. He's going to need it." With a nod, Sponge Bob retreated to the living room, his mind racing with thoughts of the day's events. He couldn't shake the image of Plankton's sincere smile, nor the gentle warmth that had filled his heart when he heard the words 'best friend'. It was a side of Plankton he had never seen before— a vulnerable, endearing side. He glanced around the cluttered room, noticing the faded family photos and half-built inventions scattered across the surfaces. There was more to the villain than met the eye. As the hours ticked by, Plankton's snores grew quieter, the anesthesia's grip on him loosening. Sponge Bob sat on the floor, surrounded by a pile of Plankton's favorite comic books and a half-eaten bag of jellyfish jellies. He couldn't help but feel a strange sense of belonging in the enemy's lair. It was peaceful, in a chaotic sort of way. The room was a testament to Plankton's life: a mishmash of inventions, half-finished plans, and the ever-present scent of chum. Yet, amidst the clutter, there was a comforting familiarity. The walls were lined with shelves of dusty tomes titled "1001 Ways to Steal a Recipe" and "The Art of the Scheme." Above the bed, a poster of the Krabby Patty looked down, a silent judge of Plankton's many failed attempts to crack its secret. Sponge Bob sat by the bedside, his spongy form hunched over with concern. The light from the hallway cast an eerie glow across the room, illuminating Plankton's sleeping form. The snores were soft and rhythmic, a stark contrast to the usual cacophony of his machinations. As the hours passed, Plankton's snores grew quieter, and his eyelid began to flutter open. His pupil were still hazy, but there was a spark of recognition in them as they focused on the yellow sponge hovering over him. "S...Sponge Bob?" he mumbled, his voice hoarse. Sponge Bob jolted to attention, his eyes widening. "You're awake!" he exclaimed, a relieved smile spreading across his face. Plankton squinted, his eye slowly focusing on the sponge above him. "What...what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice groggy and confused. "I brought you home from the hospital," Sponge Bob said, his smile gentle. "You had your wisdom teeth out, remember?" Plankton's eye grew wide as the events of the day flooded back to him. "H-hospital?" he stuttered, his hand flying to his mouth. His cheeks felt puffy and tender, a stark reminder of the surgery he had just undergone. Sponge Bob nodded, his eyes filled with empathy. "Yeah, buddy," he said, his voice soothing. "You had a bit of a tough day, but you're okay now." Plankton's gaze darted around the room, his brain slowly piecing together the puzzle of the day. "How... how did we get here?" he mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep. Sponge Bob chuckled, his smile gentle. "Karen picked us up and brought us here," he explained, his voice a soothing lullaby in the quiet room. "You were out of it pretty much the whole time." Plankton's hand fell to the bed with a soft thump. "Karen...right," he murmured, his eye drooping again. The painkillers were still working their magic, but the fog in his head was starting to lift. He vaguely remembered the car ride, the neon lights of Bikini Bottom's streets blurring together in a kaleidoscope of color. Sponge Bob watched with a gentle smile, his eyes filled with a warmth that Plankton hadn't seen in a long time. "Do you need anything?" he offered, his hand hovering over the bedside table, ready to fetch a glass of water or a fresh pillow. Plankton's eye searched Sponge Bob's face, looking for a sign of the usual sarcasm or competitive edge. But all he found was genuine concern. "No, I'm ok," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just... stay for a bit?" Sponge Bob's smile grew, and nodded without hesitation. "Of course, Plankton," he said, settling beside the bed. "I'm not going anywhere."

NOTHING BUT THE WISDOM TRUTH ii "You're in the recovery room, sweetheart," Karen said, her voice steady and soothing. "You just had wisdom teeth out." Plankton's eye widened slightly, and he nodded, trying to sit up. Karen gently pushed him back down. "Easy," she said. "You need to rest." "But I'm so tired," he mumbled, his voice weak. "I know," Karen said, stroking his forehead with her hand. "But you're doing great. Just stay still for a little while longer. They got all four teeth out without any complications." He nodded, his eye still closed. "Good," he mumbled. "I don't... I don't member any ting." His words were slurred. The anesthesia was definitely still working its magic on him. "It's ok," she said, her voice soothing. "You don't need to.." Plankton's head lolled to the side, and his eyelid grew heavy again. "Karen?" he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. "I'm right here," she assured him, her voice steady and calm. She watched as he tried to lift his hand to wipe at his mouth, but it flopped back down onto the chair's armrest, his fingers brushing against hers. Plankton's eye grew heavy again, and his head lolled to the side. The anesthesia was working its way out of his system, but it was taking its time. She chuckled as she watched him struggle to keep his eye open. "I'm... I'm," Plankton mumbled, his words coming out slurred and sloppy. His eye rolled back in his head, and he let out a snore. "You're a mess," she laughs, her voice filled with love. "But you're my mess." She watched as his chest rose and fell with each snore. It was clear that the anesthesia was still holding him in its grasp, and she knew it would be a while before he was fully awake. Karen couldn't help but laugh at his antics. Plankton's snores grew louder. Karen reached out and gently wiped the line of drool from his mouth with a tissue. He stirred, his eye blinking open again. "You're drooling," she whispered, smiling at him. "What's happening?" he asked, his words slurred. "You're coming out of the anesthesia," Karen said, her voice a lifeline in the haze. "Everything went fine." Plankton's eye searched hers, his thoughts racing. "Mmmy...nesia?" he mumbled. Karen's smile grew, understanding his attempt to ask about his sleep during surgery. "You mean the anesthesia?" Karen couldn't help but chuckle at his endeavor. "You're just a little out of it," she said, her voice gentle. "The anesthesia is wearing off." "Thish...thish ish...shomefinny," Plankton tried to say. "What?" Karen asked, her curiosity piqued by his attempt at speech. "Nothin'." Plankton's words were slurred into a single syllable. He looked utterly lost in the haze. Karen leaned closer. "You sure?" Plankton nodded, his smile lopsided. "Jush...jush glad." Karen couldn't help but laugh at his adorable incoherence. "You're so loopy," she said, her voice filled with affection. She squeezed his hand gently. "I love you." "Ish love...love you too, Karen," he slurred. "I know," she said, her voice a mix of amusement and affection. "Tish...tish hard," Plankton mumbled, his cheeks dimpling with his own private joke. The nurse entered the room, checking his vitals with a knowing smile. "It's normal for patients to be a bit out of it after surgery," she said, scribbling notes on her clipboard. "I'm shorry," he said, words still a jumble. Karen couldn't help but lean in closer, her own smile growing wider. "It's ok," she assured him, her voice gentle. The nurse nodded in agreement, her own smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It's quite common," she said, her voice professional but kind. "Ish...Ish...it...over?" he managed to ask, his tongue thick in his mouth. "Yes, sweetheart," Karen said, her voice still filled with love and amusement. "You're all done. They got all your wisdom teeth out." "Thish...thish allll over now-ow." "Almost," Karen said, her voice a gentle melody. "We just need to wait for the anesthesia to wear off a bit more, and then we can go home." Plankton nodded, his eye already drifting shut again. His mouth moved as he attempted to speak, but only slurred sounds came out. Karen leaned in closer, her smile never wavering. "You know, you're pretty chatty for someone who's had their wisdom teeth out." "Ish...Ish always had...shomeshin' to shay," Plankton managed, his speech a series of lisped and elongated sounds. Plankton's eye began to drift closed again, his breathing growing deep and even. The nurse finished her checks and gave Karen instructions for his aftercare. "Make sure he takes it easy," she said. "I will," Karen promised, her screen never leaving Plankton's face. The quiet was filled with the sound of Plankton's snores, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm beneath the blanket. His mouth was still slightly open, and she could see the drool forming at the corner of his lips. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out to see a text from Mr. Krabs, Plankton's rival at the Krabby Patty. "How's he doing?" it read. "Loopy," she replied with a smiley face. She had told Mr. Krabs about the surgery the day before, and despite their rivalry, he had offered to come visit when they get back home. The nurse poked her head back in, checking the clock on the wall. "Alright, he's ready to go," she said, her smile warm. Karen nodded, standing up and gently shaking Plankton's shoulder. "Come on," she whispered. "Let's get you home." Plankton's eye blinked open slowly, and he looked around the room with confusion. "Home?" he mumbled, his voice still thick. "Yes, we're going home," Karen said, her voice the balm to his disorientation. She helped him to his feet, supporting his weight as he swayed slightly. The drive back home was a blur of sleep. Plankton's head lolled against the car window, the vibration of the engine lulling him to a doze. "You okay?" Karen asked, glancing at him in the rearview mirror. "Yeah," Plankton mumbled, his voice a sleepy rumble. "Just...tiwed." The drive home was quiet, with only the occasional snore piercing the silence. Karen drove carefully, her eyes flicking between the road and the mirror to check on Plankton. She knew he would be out for the count for a while, and his face was still swollen. As they pulled into their driveway, Plankton stirred. "We're home," Karen said, her voice gentle. He nodded, his eye still half-closed. "Home," he murmured. Karen helped him out of the car, his legs wobbly as he tried to find his balance. She wrapped his arm around her waist, supporting him as they made their way, and he leaned into her, his body heavy with fatigue. The house was quiet as they entered, the only sound the occasional tick of the grandfather clock in the hallway. Karen guided him to the couch, carefully helping him sit down. "Rest here," she said, her voice a gentle command. Plankton nodded, eye closing again. She disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a glass of water and a pillow. "Here," she said, placing the pillow behind his head. He took the glass with a nod, his hand shaking slightly. He took a sip. "Thish...thish ish...good," he managed to say. She knew he was in pain, and the anesthesia was only adding to his confusion. "I'll be right back," she said, her voice a soft whisper. Karen grabbed the pet amoeba puppy, Spot. She carried him back to the living room, where Plankton was slowly coming around. "Look who's here," she said, holding Spot out to him. Spot's blob-like body stretched out in excitement, his little legs waving in the air. Plankton's eye widened at the sight, and a smile spread across his swollen face. "Spot," he murmured, his voice still thick with anesthesia. Karen set Spot on his lap, and the amoeba immediately began to cover him in wet, loving kisses. Plankton chuckled, his hand rising to pet the creature's gelatinous head. "Hey, bubby," he slurred, his speech still compromised. The simple act of touch brought a spark of life to Plankton's eye. "You're good boyth," he said, his voice a mix of affection and pain. Spot's response was a happy wiggle. Karen couldn't help but smile at the sight, Plankton's love for their little amoeba was unwavering. She took a seat beside him, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. "Just rest," she said, her voice a soft command. Plankton nodded, his eyes closing again. Spot continued to shower him with affection, his slimy kisses landing on Plankton. Karen watched them for a moment, her heart swelling with warmth. Then she stood up, knowing there was still more to do to ensure Plankton's recovery went smoothly. In the kitchen, she put together a soft meal for him, something that wouldn't irritate his sensitive mouth. She chopped up some fruit into a small bowl and warmed up a cup of soup. The smells of chicken broth and sweet berries filled the air, a comforting aroma that she hoped would ease his pain. When she returned to the living room, Plankton was asleep, Spot curled up with him. She set the food down on the table, the spoon clinking gently against the porcelain bowl. She took a moment to appreciate the peaceful scene before her, the two of them nestled together, the TV playing a low murmur of background noise. Karen decided to let him sleep for a bit longer. Gently, she lifted Spot off Plankton's lap and placed him on the floor. The amoeba pup quickly scuttled back by the couch, but still on the floor. Karen then turned off the TV, not wanting the noise to disturb Plankton's rest. Just as she was about to leave the room to let him sleep, the doorbell rang. It was Mr. Krabs, his beady eyes looking concerned. She opened the door, whispering, "Shh, he's asleep." Mr. Krabs nodded, his usual gruffness replaced with a rare display of compassion. He held a bag of ice. "Thought he might need these," he said, handing them to her. Karen took the bag gratefully. "Thank you," she whispered. "He's in the living room."

"Hi, my boss Mr. Krabs told me I need to work on my people skills and to volunteer.." SpongeBob says in the surgery room before recognizing Plankton and Karen. Plankton lay on the operating table, a small tube delivering medicine that kept him asleep. Karen sat by him. "Plankton‽" "Plankton's had his wisdom teeth removed." She glanced at the sleeping Plankton with affection. Sponge Bob leaned closer. He poked Plankton gently. "Hey, Plankton; wake up, buddy!" No response. Plankton's breathing remained slow and even, the rhythm unchanged by Sponge Bob's nudges. Karen's robotic hand shot up to stop Sponge Bob's poking. "He's not going to wake up anytime soon, Sponge Bob. The anesthesia will wear off in a couple of hours," she explained in her usual monotone. Sponge Bob's bubbly demeanor deflated a bit. He had never seen Plankton so... peaceful. Usually the tiny villain was full of mischief and plotting his next Krabby Patty heist. But the sight of his arch-nemesis helpless and snoring? "Karen, do you think a little light chat would help him wake up?" "Sponge Bob, the purpose of anesthesia is to keep him unconscious during surgery and ensure a painless recovery. Your efforts are futile." Undeterred, Sponge Bob leaned in closer. "Come on, Plankton. Time to wakey-wakey!" He waved his hands in front of Plankton's face, creating a gentle breeze that tickled his antennae. Still, Plankton remained steadfast in his slumber, oblivious to the world around him. Karen sighed again, the closest she ever got to expressing exasperation. "As I said, Sponge Bob, he's under the effects of anesthesia. There's nothing you can do to wake him up." She went back to reading her magazine, the glow from her screen casting a soft blue light on her metallic features. Sponge Bob studied Plankton's sleeping features. His mouth was open just enough to reveal his top row of teeth, and Sponge Bob had to stifle a giggle when a small bubble of drool formed at the corner of his mouth. "You know," he mused aloud, "I never realized Plankton had such a... cute snoring sound." The statement hung in the air, and even the normally stoic Karen couldn't resist cracking a smile. "Cute is hardly the word I'd use," she murmured, but the warmth in her voice belied the affection she had for her partner. Sponge Bob's curiosity grew as he continued to gaze at the unconscious Plankton. He'd seen him in various states before—angry, plotting and occasionally defeated—but never so vulnerable. The sight was strange yet fascinating. He reached out and carefully wiped away the drool. Plankton's head lolled to the side, but he remained asleep. SpongeBob put his head back up on a pillow. Plankton's snores grew quieter as his head settled into the cushioned embrace. "Don't worry, Plankton," he whispered, patting the villain's arm gently. "I'll watch over you." Sponge Bob's curiosity grew stronger as he watched the drool form at the side of Plankton's mouth. He leaned in closer, studying the phenomenon. He'd never noticed Plankton drool before. "It's like a tiny river," he said to himself. What would happen if he tried to touch it? He tapped it lightly. It wobbled, bulging slightly before collapsing back into its original state. He poked the drool again. This time, it grew slightly larger before popping, leaving a tiny, wet splatter on the pillow. Plankton's snores grew louder for a moment, but didn't stir. Sponge Bob couldn't resist a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like he's enjoying his nap," he whispered to Karen who remained engrossed in her magazine. The drool was fascinating—like a living organism, pulsating with every one of Plankton's breaths. He poked it again, gently this time. The drool grew larger, stretching out like a bubble of gum. It was almost mesmerizing. "I wonder if I can make it pop," he thought, eyes gleaming with child-like excitement. Slowly, Sponge Bob poked the drool bubble once more. It grew to the size of a marble before it burst with a tiny splat, splattering on to the pillow. Plankton's snoring remained undisturbed. Sponge Bob could see the light from the ceiling reflecting off the droplet's surface. He waited, the anticipation building, eyes fixed on the wobbling mass. At the last second, he poked it. The bubble popped with a sound that echoed through the quiet room. Plankton's snore caught in his throat for a split second, then resumed with renewed vigor. The splatter was more substantial this time, leaving a wet spot on the pillow. The sudden noise made Karen look up from her magazine. "What on earth are you doing, Sponge Bob?" she asked, voice a mix of annoyance and amusement. "Just... science," Sponge Bob said, his grin unabated. "I'm studying Plankton's snoring pattern... and drool." Karen rolled her digital eyes. "Fine. Just don't wake him. And for the love of Krabby Patties, please don't make a mess." She returned her focus to her magazine, seemingly unfazed by the sight of her arch-enemy playing with drool. Sponge Bob nodded solemnly, his eyes lighting up with newfound purpose. He decided to be more strategic in his scientific endeavor. He would need precision and timing. The drool bubble grew again, this time larger and more robust. Sponge Bob waited, his heart beating faster with every pulse of Plankton's snore. He took a deep breath, held it, and at the peak of the snore's crescendo, poked the bubble with a controlled flick. It exploded with a sound like a miniature water balloon, splattering across Plankton's cheek. The pillow was now a Jackson Pollock canvas of drool. Plankton's snoring hitched but he didn't wake. "Oops," Sponge Bob whispered, giggling quietly. He reached for a near by tissue to clean up the mess, his eyes glancing nervously at Karen. She peeked over her magazine, the corners of her robotic mouth curving upward slightly. "If you're going to play, at least be tidy," she said, voice a blend of reprimand and amusement. Sponge Bob nodded, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course, Karen," he whispered back, dabbing at Plankton's cheek with the tissue. The drool was sticky and clung to the fabric but Sponge Bob managed to clean when Plankton's snoring hitched. This time, Plankton's eyes opened a crack, his single eyelid revealing a sliver of his iris before dropping shut again. "What's going on?" he mumbled sleepily. Sponge Bob froze, tissue in mid-air. "Oh nothing," he said quickly, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just admiring your snoring." Plankton's eyelid quivered but remained shut. "Mmph." His mouth moved around the word. "Don't worry, buddy," Sponge Bob said softly patting Plankton's arm. "You're just resting. Nothing to worry about." The half-awake Plankton mumbled something unintelligible, and Sponge Bob took it as a sign to back off. He retreated to his chair, watching as Karen put down her magazine and began to fuss over Plankton, checking his vitals and making sure he was comfortable. For once, he wasn't at odds with Plankton.

"We removed Plankton's wisdom teeth. He's still asleep, you can stay with him." Said the oral surgeon to Karen. They've just finished and lead Karen into the room. Plankton is lying in the hospital bed, his face a mask of peace, the only signs of the recent surgery being the gauze in his mouth and the drool seeping out the side. His cheeks are slightly swollen, and she wonders when he'll wake up. The doctor said it could take a while. The IV line snakes up his arm. Karen pulls a chair up beside the bed. She takes his hand and holds it gently, feeling the warmth of his skin contrast with the coolness of her own palm. The room is sterile, the air conditioning humming steadily in the background. The faint smell of disinfectant fills the space. She looks around the room, noticing the monitors beeping in rhythm with Plankton's breathing and heart rate. The nurse comes in and checks the machines, making a few quiet notes on a clipboard. She smiles at Karen, "He's doing well. Just let him sleep. It's the best thing right now." Karen nods, squeezing Plankton's hand slightly, willing him to feel her presence. She wonders what dreams he's having, if any, behind his closed lid. Time seems to crawl as Karen watches him sleep. She tries to read a book, but the words blur together. Her thoughts drift to their lives before this moment, their shared laughter, their arguments, the quiet moments of understanding. Her gaze lingers on his swollen cheeks, his chest rising and falling with each breath. A soft groan escapes his lips and his eye begins to flutter open. Slowly, Plankton comes to, his vision blurred by the anesthesia's last hangover. He blinks, trying to focus on Karen's face. She sets aside her book and smiles at him, her screen welcoming him back to the world of the conscious. "Hi," she says softly. "How are you feeling?" Plankton makes a sound that's somewhere between a whine and a grunt. His eye wanders the room before finally settling on hers. "What...what happened?" he slurs, the words barely audible through the gauze. Karen's smile widens a bit. "You had your wisdom teeth removed, remember?" He nods slightly. The nurse reappears, checking his vitals again with a gentle touch. "Time to go home," she says, removing the gauze. They make their way out of the hospital, Karen supporting Plankton gently as he stumbles, his legs still wobbly from the anesthesia. The sun is setting, casting long shadows across the parking lot. Karen helps Plankton into the car, buckling him in and adjusting the seat so he can lean back and rest. He nods off almost immediately, his breathing evening out as the car starts and they pull away from the hospital. The drive home is quiet, Plankton's snores punctuating the hum of the engine. Karen keeps glancing over, checking on him, her concern etched into every line on her screen. The pain medication is strong, keeping him in a half-awake state. Each time he wakes, he looks around, disoriented, before his eye finds hers and his expression relaxes. Once they arrive, Karen guides him to the couch, his body feeling heavier than ever before. He slumps into the cushions and she grabs the ice pack from the cooler. "Hold this to your cheeks," she instructs, placing the cold compress against his skin. He nods obediently, his eye already glazing over with the promise of sleep. The TV flickers on, its blue light washing over the room. Karen finds a sitcom they both enjoy, hoping the familiar laughter will ease his pain and keep them both company. But Plankton's snores soon overpower the TV's audio, his head lolling to the side. She smiles, knowing he's in a deep slumber, and covers him with a blanket. The house is eerily quiet except for the steady tick of the clock on the wall. Karen moves around the kitchen, preparing a soft meal for when he wakes, her mind racing with thoughts of what the next few days will be like. Plankton's recovery will be slow, but she's ready to take care of him. She's his rock, his support, and she'll do anything to help him feel better.