“Mommy said the papers were going to the right people.

And the man said she should think about what happens if people find out she leaves me at home sometimes.”

Lena wrote his words as accurately as she could, avoiding follow-up suggestions.

She would arrange a trained child interviewer if the information became necessary.

Outside the room, Felicia told her that Eli’s health was stabilizing.

He would still need follow-up care, and the prolonged isolation had left him frightened of quiet rooms and closed doors.

“He asks me to knock three times every time I come back,” she said.