“Do I have to go home?”

“Not by yourself,” the support worker said.

Chloe lay back.

It was the first assurance that made her stop watching the door for a while.

That night, other children came through the emergency department.

Adults hurried past reception carrying bags, coats, and worries of their own.

The receptionist continued her shift, answering questions and directing people where they needed to go.

The wheelbarrow was moved out of the entrance and kept in a secure place.