The county helicopter searched the fields.

Nothing moved below.

At the hospital, Dr.

Shah explained to Natalie that Ashley’s illness was likely treatable and that she was responding to care, but recovery would take time.

She urged the officer to avoid discussing the situation in frightening language around the child.

Ashley asked repeatedly for her father.

Natalie answered the same way each time: “People are looking, and I’m staying with you while we learn more.”

A child-life specialist brought coloring pages and helped Ashley understand the hospital routines.