I did not turn their questions into a diagnosis, and they did not tell me that the absence of a visible mark settled everything.

I gave Taylor’s contact information and described who had been responsible for Lily that evening.

Hospital staff explained the reporting and follow-up process.

There would be documentation, and the appropriate child-protection authorities would be notified.

Their clinical work and the investigation were related, but they were not the same task.

Lily looked toward the door.

“Are you going to tell Mommy?”

“The grown-ups helping us need to speak to her,” I said.