Chapter 3 - THE PEDIATRIC CLINIC Cecily’s pediatrician had Saturday urgent hours.
I called from the car.
They told me to bring her.
Dr. Rachel Monroe examined her.
Redness on the cheek.
Minor abrasion at the elbow.
Early bruising developing along the upper arm where Harlan had grabbed her.
No fracture suspected.
No head injury signs.
No emergency imaging needed.
Then Dr. Monroe asked:
“Cecily, can you tell me what happened?”
Cecily looked at me.
I said:
“You can tell Dr. Monroe the truth.”
Then I shut up.
Important.
No:
Tell her what Grandpa did.
No:
Tell her about the shed.
Cecily said:
“Grandpa threw Molly in the pool.”
“Who is Molly?”
“My doll.”
“What happened next?”
“I ran.”
“Then?”
“He grabbed me.”
“Where?”
Cecily touched her upper arm.
“And then?”
“He hit my face.”
Dr. Monroe’s expression stayed neutral.
“Has Grandpa hit you before?”
Cecily looked down.
I stopped breathing.
She said:
“No.”
Relief came too quickly.
Then:
“He squeezed.”
“When?”
May you like
“A lot.”
My relief disappeared.
