The dispatcher’s voice came through the receiver while Paul watched Violet’s face turn dangerously pale beneath the harsh station light.

He gave their ages—seven years old—described the severe abdominal pain and sudden onset drowsiness, and requested an urgent medical unit without naming a drug he could not yet identify.

Nora stood beside her sister, one hand pressed firmly between Violet’s shoulder blades.

“You did the right thing,” Paul told her softly.

Nora’s lower lip trembled.

“Are we in trouble?”