“I’ll talk to her,” Richard said.

The afternoon light in room four had faded to a dull gray, throwing long shadows over the white tile floor.

Emily was sitting on the edge of the exam table, tugging her cardigan sleeves down hard over her wrists until only her fingernails peeked out.

“Dad,” she said as soon as Richard opened the door.

He crossed the room, pulled the heavy vinyl chair up close to the bed, and lowered himself into it.

“I’m right here, Em.”