"It didn't even hurt one teensy bit"

"Yes, those are the ones," she said and sat quietly in the chair with her hands to her side and waited. Her face was still and pleasant as they marked her ears. She made a quick smile as our eyes passed and then looked straight ahead with patience and pride. As they counted to three, she sat with the same look as if she were having her portrait painted. No squinting, no fear. Just determination. Looking in the mirror, she said "yes, those are perfect," smiled, and hopped down. Her anticipation had finally reached it's goal. She was happy.