Chapter 6 - The Pediatric WardThe sterile smell of antiseptic replaced the oppressive scent of Teresa's house the moment we stepped into the private wing of St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Dr. Vance had arranged an immediate, comprehensive medical evaluation before Emiliano was even allowed to be transferred to a temporary safe residence with my mother.
I sat on the edge of the examination bed, holding Emiliano's tiny, cool hand while Dr. Bennett, a pediatrician with kind, tired eyes, gently shone a small light into my son's ears.
"Physically, he is malnourished, Mrs. Alvarez," Dr. Bennett said, his voice entirely devoid of judgment, which somehow made the truth hurt worse. "He is roughly thirty percent underweight for a four-year-old. His motor skills are delayed because he spent the vast majority of his time confined or restricted. But children are remarkably resilient. With proper nutrition, physical therapy, and a stable, loving environment, he will catch up."
Emiliano was wearing a clean, soft hospital gown. He had just finished a warm bath, and for the first time, his dark curls were clean and brushed away from his forehead. He was holding one of the wooden trains I had brought from Singapore, rolling it back and forth across the hospital blanket with quiet concentration.
"Will he... will he remember this?" I asked, my voice cracking.
"At four, the brain absorbs trauma deeply, but it also heals with astonishing speed," Dr. Bennett assured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "What matters most is that he is safe now. And based on what Dana Price tells me, you have a very strong case to ensure he never goes back to that environment."
Just then, the door clicked open, and Dana walked in, holding a thick folder filled with legal documents. Her sharp suit and confident stride brought a sudden wave of reassurance into the quiet room.
"How is he doing?" Dana asked, lowering her voice as she approached the bed.
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"He's resting," I whispered, brushing a stray curl from Emiliano's forehead. He didn't flinch. He actually leaned slightly into my palm. "What's happening with Rodrigo and Teresa?"
"They tried to secure immediate bail, but the judge denied it given the severity of the neglect charges and the evidence we presented regarding the systematic concealment of the child," Dana said, a faint, satisfied smile playing at the corner of her lips. "Furthermore, Paulina's legal status in that house is being reviewed, and Teresa is facing an independent investigation for aiding and abetting child endangerment. Rodrigo's corporate board has already called an emergency meeting to strip him of his executive title."
