Chapter 2: The Hospital Report
Chapter 2: The Hospital Report
Emily reached the emergency room just before midnight.
Lily's temperature had climbed to 104.3 degrees.
The triage nurse rushed them inside the moment she saw the little girl's flushed face and glassy eyes.
Within minutes doctors began treating the infection that had caused the dangerously high fever.
One physician later admitted another hour's delay could have led to seizures.
While Lily slept, Emily finally looked in the bathroom mirror.
The outline of Brian's hand was still visible on her cheek.
A nurse quietly asked if she felt safe going home.
Emily burst into tears.
She told them everything.
Hospital staff documented every bruise, photographed the injury, and contacted a domestic violence advocate.
Before sunrise, Emily received another blow.
Her phone filled with messages.
Brian had reported her for kidnapping.
His family had already posted online that she had become violent during dinner and disappeared with Lily.
Emily stared at the accusations in disbelief.
Then her phone rang.
An unfamiliar number appeared.
May you like
When she answered, a nervous voice whispered,
"My name is Jake... I recorded everything."
