When hospital security quietly took their places near the consultation room entrance, Dr. Lucas Bennett felt that familiar heaviness settle in his chest — the same feeling he always had when something wasn’t right.

Maria spoke calmly.

“We just need to talk for a moment.”

“Talk about what?”

Lucas watched Emma closely.

The girl was trembling.

Maria approached the stretcher.

“Hello, Emma. My name is Maria. I help children who might need support.”

Emma looked up at her.

Her lips trembled slightly.

“May I ask you something?” Maria said.

Emma nodded slowly.

“Did someone give you something to eat or drink that made you feel sick?”

Silence filled the room.

Laura folded her arms.

“This is absurd.”

Emma whispered something so quietly it was almost impossible to hear.

Lucas leaned closer.

“What did you say?”

Emma swallowed.