Chapter 2 - THE EYE
The emergency pediatric clinic replaced Emily’s wet bandage.
The injury looked frightening but was not catastrophic.
A small cut near the eyebrow.
Swelling.
Irritation from dirty patio water.
No damage to the eye itself.
Sarah almost collapsed with relief.
Dr. Carter asked Emily what happened.
Emily stared at the floor.
Sarah said:
“You can tell her.”
Emily whispered:
“Rachel sprayed me.”
“Why?”
“I got dirt on my dress.”
“Then what happened?”
“I backed up.”
She swallowed.
“My foot slipped.”
That part matched Rachel’s story.
But only partly.
Dr. Carter asked:
“Did Rachel stop when you asked?”
Emily shook her head.
“Did she tell you what to say afterward?”
Another nod.
“What did she tell you?”
Emily answered:
“That I fell by myself.”
Dr. Carter began writing.
May you like
Sarah watched the pen move.
Every stroke felt like a door closing.
