Chapter 7: The Records in Her Purse
"More than I should have kept to myself.""
Diane's words remained suspended in the hospital room.
Daniel stared at her.
For several seconds, he didn't move.
Then he looked at the envelope in Dr. Reynolds's hands.
"What does that mean?""
Diane wiped her cheeks.
"It means I made a mistake.""
"What mistake?""
"I thought I was doing the right thing.""
Daniel shook his head.
"You're going to have to be more specific.""
Dr. Reynolds placed the documents on the counter.
"I'd like to make a phone call to the clinic that performed the previous assessment. We need to verify the information in these records before drawing any conclusions.""
Daniel nodded.
"Please do.""
The doctor stepped outside with the paperwork.
Dr. Patel remained in the room, reviewing Maya's observations.
Sarah approached the bed.
"Maya, how is your pain now?""
"About the same.""
"All right. I'll make sure the doctor knows.""
Maya glanced toward her mother.
Diane was sitting with her hands folded in her lap.
"Mom?""
Diane immediately looked up.
"Yes, sweetheart?""
"Can you come closer?""
Diane stood and approached the bed.
Maya hesitated.
"Why didn't you tell Dad about the appointment?""
Diane pulled the chair beside her.
"I was afraid.""
"Of what?""
"Of what might happen if he found out.""
Maya looked confused.
"He's my dad.""
"I know.""
"He loves me.""
"I know that too.""
"Then why did you think he wouldn't help?""
Diane looked down.
"Your father and I don't always react to difficult situations in the same way.""
Maya shook her head.
"That doesn't answer my question.""
Diane reached for her daughter's hand.
Maya allowed her to hold it, but didn't squeeze back.
"I thought I could get the answers first," Diane said.
"I thought if I understood what was happening, I could explain it to him without frightening everyone.""
"But you didn't explain anything.""
"I know.""
"You told me not to say anything.""
Diane's eyes filled.
"I shouldn't have done that.""
Maya looked toward the ceiling.
"I was scared.""
Diane began crying.
"I know, baby.""
"No, Mom. You don't know what it felt like.""
Diane lowered her head.
Maya continued.
"I didn't know what was happening to my body. I didn't know who I could talk to. Every time I asked you something, you told me to wait.""
"I'm sorry.""
"And today, when I couldn't even stand up, you said it was nothing.""
Diane covered her mouth.
Dr. Patel approached quietly.
"Maya, I want you to know that you can speak openly with us. You don't have to protect anyone from your medical concerns.""
Maya nodded.
"Okay.""
A few minutes later, Daniel returned from the corridor.
"Where's the doctor?""
"He's checking the previous records," Dr. Patel replied.
Daniel approached Maya.
"How are you doing?""
"Still scared.""
He pulled his chair closer.
"Me too.""
Maya looked at him.
"Are you angry?""
Daniel paused.
"I'm upset about some things, sweetheart. But I'm not angry with you.""
"Promise?""
"Promise.""
She looked toward Diane.
"Are you angry with Mom?""
Daniel followed her gaze.
He took a breath.
"That's something your mother and I need to discuss. You don't have to worry about fixing it.""
Diane looked away.
At that moment, Dr. Reynolds returned.
He carried the folder and had his phone in one hand.
"I've spoken with the previous clinic," he announced.
Daniel stood.
"What did they say?""
"They confirmed that Maya attended an appointment several weeks ago. They also confirmed that certain findings required follow-up.""
Daniel looked directly at Diane.
"Follow-up?""
Dr. Reynolds continued.
"The previous clinician recommended additional assessment. We need to establish whether those recommendations were completed.""
Daniel's voice hardened.
"Were they?""
The doctor looked at Diane.
"Mrs. Carter, do you have any documentation of further testing?""
Diane shook her head.
"No.""
"Did you return to the clinic?""
"No.""
"Did you arrange another appointment?""
Diane's eyes filled again.
"I was going to.""
Daniel let out a slow breath.
"You never took her back?""
"I thought I had more time.""
"More time for what?""
Diane looked toward Maya.
"I didn't want her life to change.""
Daniel stared at her.
"Her life was already changing. She needed medical care.""
"I know that now.""
"You knew enough to take her to a clinic. You knew enough to receive those documents. Why didn't you follow the instructions?""
Diane pressed her hands against her face.
"I was overwhelmed.""
Dr. Patel stepped forward.
"Let's keep the discussion focused on Maya's immediate needs. We still need to complete the assessment.""
Daniel nodded.
"Of course.""
Dr. Reynolds opened the folder again.
"There is one more issue. The previous records contain information that may be relevant to today's ultrasound, but I want our specialist team to verify it before explaining its significance.""
Daniel looked at the paperwork.
"Can I see it?""
The doctor handed him the first page.
Daniel read the date.
Then the description.
His eyebrows drew together.
He moved to the second page.
At the bottom was a handwritten note from the previous clinician.
Daniel read it twice.
Then he looked at Diane.
"What does this mean?""
Diane stood abruptly.
"Please don't read that in front of Maya.""
Daniel looked up.
"Why?""
"Because she doesn't need to hear everything.""
Maya lifted her head.
"I'm right here, Mom.""
Diane looked at her daughter.
Then at the page in Daniel's hands.
And Daniel finally understood that the previous appointment had involved something much more complicated than a routine consultation.
But before he could ask another question, Dr. Reynolds pointed to the final section.
"There's something else we need to clarify about the person who accompanied Maya to that appointment.""
May you like
Daniel looked at his wife.
Diane went completely pale.
