Maks stood in the bathroom and measured time with his toothbrush. Tomorrow he had a demonstration in class about oral hygiene. He had been given a new sonic toothbrush, which he called Sparkle Yesterday. The toothpaste smelled of mint and the hourglass patiently timed the seconds. Maks practised: small circles, three surfaces of each tooth. Then flossing, gently between the teeth, in no hurry. The mirror steamed, and he whispered: "Two minutes, no excuses." Suddenly, a quiet drumming came from the drain, like the tapping of fingers. Foam jumped up and rolled into tiny, yellowish creatures. They had sugar caps and laughed toothlessly. "Shallow creatures?" whispered Maks, feeling a tingling sensation on his gums. Flash murmured in his hand and a blue light flickered. "Smile Guardian Mode," the toothbrush beeped, just like a little robot. The creatures began to climb over the cup of rinse. Maks lifted the Flash and switched on the timer for exactly two minutes. He made the first circle by the molars, the foam rustled like the wind. The shallows hissed and retreated behind the tap. One blew into the dental floss and tied a knot. "Oi, floss is not for tricks," hissed Maks. The mirror reflected his face and something else, shadows like caramel stains. Sweet sparks pulsed in the stains, bigger than a moment before. The bathroom light dimmed and the kettle in the kitchen whined. A mug jumped off the shelf as if someone had pulled on its ear. The flash trembled but shone with an even, bold light. "Left bow, then tongue, we can do it". - said Maks. Then something moved under the rug like a wave. The shallows gathered in a vortex and collapsed towards his open mouth.