“He says he’s Emily Carter’s son.”

Sarah’s eyes immediately returned to Ethan.

She had reviewed Emily’s medical records dozens of times since her admission. Emergency contacts had been difficult to reach, and much of the family information had arrived incomplete during the first chaotic hours after the ambulance brought her in.

No one had mentioned a little boy.

Sarah slowly lowered herself until she was at Ethan’s eye level.

“Hi, Ethan.”

The boy gave a tiny nod.