I felt sick.
Sadie watched me.
“Does that mean Dad knew?”
I took her hand.
“Yes, sweetheart. It means he knew they wanted you seen at a hospital.”
She closed her eyes.
“I thought so.”
I folded the paper carefully.
Then I put it in my bag.
I would not let anyone pretend this had been a misunderstanding.
Part 12: The Conversation With the Doctor
Dr. Raman returned later that morning.
I showed her the clinic report.
She read it carefully.
“This is important,” she said. “We’ll add it to Sadie’s medical record and request the full clinic documentation.”
“Can the clinic explain why he was allowed to take her home?”
“Medical providers can document a guardian’s decision, explain the risks, and provide instructions. If a parent refuses recommended care, the circumstances matter, particularly when a minor may be at risk of serious harm.”
“Did Curtis put her in danger?”
Dr. Raman chose her words carefully.
