Chapter 3 - The Pediatrician Had Been Worried for Two Months
Claire called Lily’s pediatrician the next morning.
Christmas morning.
She expected voicemail.
Instead the practice’s on-call physician returned the call within thirty minutes.
When Claire explained what happened, the doctor became quiet.
Then she said:
“I’m glad you called.”
That sentence frightened Claire.
“Why?”
Lily had lost nearly four pounds in two months.
For an adult, meaningless.
For a five-year-old, significant enough to monitor.
Claire knew Lily seemed thinner.
She assumed growth spurt.
Stress.
Pickiness.
Daniel had repeatedly told her:
“Kids go through phases.”
The pediatrician had recommended a nutrition follow-up after Lily’s last appointment.
Claire never received the message.
“Who did you speak to?” Claire asked.
“Our office notes show her father returned the call.”
Daniel.
“What did he say?”
“That the family had already addressed the issue and that Lily had been overeating sweets at her grandmother’s house.”
Claire nearly dropped the phone.
“That’s not true.”
“I understand.”
“No. She’s been hungry.”
Silence.
Then the doctor said carefully:
“Bring her in tomorrow.”
Claire looked toward Lily, who was sitting at her father’s old dining table in Claire’s sister’s apartment, eating scrambled eggs slowly.
Not rushing.
Not hoarding.
Just watching every bite as though waiting for someone to stop her.
Claire’s anger sharpened.
Margaret had not simply been cruel at Christmas.
May you like
Daniel had helped hide the consequences.
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