The doctor lowered his voice and explained that Drew’s fracture showed signs of being several days old, untreated, swollen, and repeatedly stressed by movement.
Peter stared at him, unable to understand how a six-year-old could endure that much pain without anyone bringing him to a hospital.
The doctor continued, saying Lily was dehydrated, significantly underweight, and showing laboratory signs consistent with prolonged nutritional neglect rather than one missed meal.
Peter gripped the edge of the chair so tightly his fingers hurt, because every excuse Reena had given suddenly sounded rehearsed instead of protective.
He asked whether the children had other injuries, and the doctor hesitated before saying both would require additional imaging, examinations, and careful interviews.
That hesitation frightened Peter more than any medical term, because it suggested the staff had already seen enough to suspect something larger than neglect.
When Drew returned from radiology, his leg was immobilized, his face was exhausted, and he immediately asked whether Lily had eaten anything else.
Peter sat beside him and promised Lily was safe, but Drew kept watching the doorway as though Reena might appear without warning.
A child-services investigator named Marisol Vega arrived shortly afterward, introducing herself gently and asking Peter to remain nearby while she spoke with Drew.
She explained that children often reveal difficult experiences gradually, especially when they have been taught that asking outsiders for help causes punishment.
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