Chapter 5 - Chloe Wakes Up
I arrived back at the hospital just as Dr. Evans was walking out of Chloe’s room. He gave me a tired, relieved smile.
“She’s awake,” he said. “She’s weak, and her electrolytes were dangerously low, but she’s stable.”
I walked into the room. Rachel was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding Chloe’s hand, tears streaming down both their faces. Chloe looked up, her tired eyes widening when she saw me.
“Sarah,” she whispered, reaching her free hand out to me.
I rushed over and kissed her forehead. “I’m here, sweetie. You’re safe.”
“Daddy was mad,” Chloe whimpered, her voice raspy. “He said the medicine was too expensive. He said I just needed to stop being lazy and feeling sick. He threw the bottles in the trash last week.”
Rachel let out a choked sob, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the bedrail.
“I know, baby,” I said, smoothing her hair. “But Daddy isn't going to make your medical decisions anymore. Your mom is here. She never stopped looking for you. He lied to both of us.”
Chloe looked at Rachel, then at me. “Am I in trouble?”
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“No, sweetheart,” I promised, my voice fierce. “You are not in trouble. But your father is.”
Dr. Evans stepped back into the room, holding a clipboard. “I’ve just documented the patient's statement regarding the withheld medication. Child Protective Services has been notified. As of this moment, David is legally barred from this floor.”
