For the first time in days, she made a choice without waiting for somebody’s permission.

“I’d like you to stay,” she said, “but let me tell it.”

PART 5
The social worker, Nina Patel, pulled a chair close to Maya’s bed and spoke without urgency.

She asked what happened, what support Maya had available, and whether she felt safe returning home.

She did not assume that wealth meant safety, or that family members who promised assistance had provided it.

Maya described the missing food, postponed appointments, and the fear of being called ungrateful.