Chapter 2 - The emergency department
Lily vomited once in the ambulance.
That frightened everyone.
At the pediatric emergency department, the trauma team examined her.
She knew her name.
Recognized Claire.
Asked for me.
But she was sleepy and complained that the room was too bright.
Because she had briefly lost consciousness, vomited, and suffered a direct impact near the temple, doctors recommended imaging after discussing radiation risk.
CT showed:
No skull fracture.
No intracranial bleeding.
No mass effect.
The cut required skin adhesive rather than stitches.
Diagnosis:
Concussion.
Scalp/forehead laceration.
Observation.
No guarantee symptoms would disappear overnight.
Headaches.
Fatigue.
Irritability.
Light sensitivity.
Possible temporary concentration problems.
Claire sat beside Lily’s bed.
I arrived after police finished their first interview.
She looked at me.
“Is Ryan okay?”
The question surprised me.
“Yes.”
“Where is he?”
“With a child-welfare worker and Detective Warren.”
“Your son.”
“Yes.”
She looked back at Lily.
“How old?”
“Ten.”
“How long have you known?”
“Since before he was born.”
She laughed once.
There was no humor in it.
“You knew before he was born.”
“Yes.”
“And you married me eight years ago.”
“Yes.”
She covered her mouth.
Lily stirred.
We both stopped talking.
Later Dr. Melissa Grant explained the concussion instructions.
No sports.
Reduced screen exposure if symptoms worsened.
Gradual return to school.
Immediate return for repeated vomiting, worsening confusion, severe headache, weakness, seizure, or abnormal behavior.
Then a social worker entered.
Because the injury had been inflicted by another child in the home, child safety planning was required.
Because I had slapped and shoved Ryan, my conduct was also being reviewed.
Claire looked at me.
I did not defend myself.
The social worker said:
“For now, Ryan cannot return to the Bennett residence while Lily is recovering and until a safety assessment is completed.”
“Where does he go?”
“We’re checking known family.”
I already knew.
“Adam Cole.”
Claire looked at me.
“Who?”
“Megan’s brother.”
“Megan.”
“Ryan’s mother.”
May you like
Another name I had withheld.
The layers kept coming.
