Dr.

Shah discussed the findings only with authorized caregivers and the professionals involved in the protection process.

An initial screen suggested exposure to a medication that was not part of Violet’s documented treatment plan, but confirmatory testing and clinical interpretation would take time.

The medical team was careful about what could and could not be concluded from any single result.

Nora did not understand why everyone kept saying “we don’t know yet.” She wanted a sentence as decisive as a light being switched on: Violet would wake up smiling, someone would explain why she’d been hurt, and they would both go home to a different life.

Adults, however, kept answering with small truths instead of sweeping promises.