Chapter 5: The Medical Consultation
The voice on the other end of the line was calm, professional, and entirely devoid of the emotional chaos that defined David’s household. Dr. Aris, a seasoned pediatrician affiliated with the county hospital, listened quietly as David described the injury without revealing his own identity, framing the situation as a hypothetical case involving a five-year-old child.
""A circular discoloration in the lower lumbar region, approximately three inches in diameter, accompanied by localized swelling and complaints of deep muscular pain,"" David recited from memory, his eyes fixed on the patterned wallpaper of the hallway.
There was a brief pause on the line before Dr. Aris spoke. ""That is not a fall injury, sir. A child tripping and hitting the floor would present with linear abrasions or bruised bony prominences—elbows, knees, the forehead. A discrete, rounded impact mark in the soft tissue of the back indicates a concentrated blunt force trauma. It suggests a strike with a closed fist, a blunt object, or a severe, intentional shove against a protruding corner.""
David closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the wall. The clinical certainty of the doctor’s words hit him harder than any emotional outburst could have. ""What are the immediate medical requirements?"" he asked, his voice strained.
""The child needs a full physical examination within twenty-four hours,"" Dr. Aris stated firmly. ""Internal soft tissue damage in the lumbar region can lead to complications if left unaddressed. Furthermore, under state law, any medical professional observing such an injury is legally mandated to report it to child welfare authorities immediately upon physical inspection.""
""I understand,"" David murmured.
""Mr. Miller,"" Dr. Aris said, using the surname David had provided during the initial text exchange. ""If you are the father, you have a legal and moral obligation to secure the child's safety right now. Do not wait for things to escalate. Situations involving domestic escalation rarely stabilize on their own.""
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The call disconnected with a soft beep. David stood in the hallway, the phone glowing dimly in his hand. The reality of what he had to do crystallized in his mind. He couldn't wait for Sarah to calm down. He couldn't rely on Helen’s half-hearted warnings or threats of social embarrassment. He needed to get Lily out of this house tonight.
As he turned to re-enter the study, the kitchen door swung open. Sarah stood at the end of the corridor, her burgundy dress catching the light, her expression cold and calculating. She had heard enough of his hushed conversation to know the direction he was heading.
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