Emma Reads the Hospital File
Chapter 12 - Emma Reads the Hospital File
Emma asked to see the records.
Helen objected at first.
“You do not need to carry every ugly detail.”
Emma looked at her.
“That sounds like what Richard says.”
Helen went quiet.
She apologized.
Together, the three women read the hospital file.
Sophia learned Emma weighed four pounds, seven ounces.
Emma learned Sophia asked to hold her before the sedation.
A nurse’s note recorded the request.
PATIENT REPEATEDLY ASKING FOR BABY. FAMILY REPRESENTATIVE STATES INFANT TRANSFERRED.
Emma traced the sentence with one finger.
“You did ask for me.”
Sophia could not answer.
Emma moved closer.
For the first time, she allowed Sophia to hug her.
Helen watched, tears rolling down her face.
Sophia held out one arm.
Helen joined them.
They were not a traditional family.
They were three women connected by one crime and different forms of love.
Later, Emma asked whether she could visit the mansion.
Sophia hesitated.
“Why?”
“I want to see where everyone decided my life.”
They went on a quiet afternoon.
The balcony doors remained locked because the ballroom was under renovation.
Emma stood at the stone railing.
“This is where you saw my picture?”
“Yes.”
“Were you scared?”
“I thought I was losing my mind.”
Emma looked across the city.
“Richard said he saved all of us.”
Sophia nodded.
“People who control others often rename control as rescue.”
Emma turned.
“Do you hate him?”
Sophia considered the question.
“I hate what he did.”
“That is not the same.”
“No.”
Emma looked toward the ballroom.
“I don’t know whether I want to meet him.”
“You do not have to decide now.”
Emma smiled faintly.
“Good answer.”
May you like
Sophia smiled back.
She was learning.
