Chapter 4: The Hospital
The next morning, Sawyer took Gracie back to the hospital for a follow-up appointment with a pediatric specialist.
While they waited, Gracie sat quietly on the exam table, still holding her stuffed rabbit. She hadn’t let go of it since yesterday.
The doctor, Dr. Patel, examined the bruise carefully and took more detailed photos.
“This injury is definitely not from a simple fall,” she said gently. “The pattern and location suggest she was pushed or thrown against something with force.”
Sawyer nodded, his jaw tight.
“Is there anything else I should know?”
Dr. Patel looked at him seriously.
“We’ve already reported this to Child Protective Services. They’ll be conducting an investigation. In the meantime, it’s important that Gracie feels safe. Has she said anything about how often this has happened?”
Sawyer glanced at his daughter.
Gracie looked down at her rabbit.
“Sometimes Mom gets mad when Dad is away,” she whispered. “She says I’m too loud or I make too much mess. She pulls my arm or pushes me. But yesterday was the worst.”
Dr. Patel’s expression softened.
“You did the right thing by telling your dad, Gracie. You’re very brave.”
After the appointment, as they were walking back to the car, Gracie tugged on Sawyer’s sleeve.
“Dad?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“Am I going to have to go back and live with Mom?”
Sawyer stopped and knelt down in front of her.
“No,” he said firmly. “You’re not going back there. Not if I can help it.”
Gracie’s eyes filled with tears.
“But what if the judge makes me go back?”
Sawyer gently wiped her tears away.
“I promise you, Gracie — I will do everything I can to keep you safe. You will never have to be afraid in your own home again.”
Gracie nodded and hugged him tightly.
As Sawyer held his daughter, he made a silent vow.
May you like
He was going to protect her — no matter what it took.
Even if it meant going to war with the woman he once loved.
