The ride to North Valley Children Hospital blurred into the steady rhythm of rain finally hitting the roof of the ambulance. Paramedic Luis Romero knelt beside Ruby, speaking softly as he checked her vitals.
“You are doing great,” he said. “We are almost there.”
Ruby whimpered, pressing Teddy against her chest.
“My dad will be mad if I am not home,” she whispered.
“He will just be glad you are safe,” Luis assured her.
As he adjusted the blanket, a folded piece of paper slipped from Ruby’s pocket. Luis picked it up without comment. On it was a hurried note, written in an adult hand.
“Call Dr Finch as soon as possible.”
Luis tucked the paper away, a quiet instinct telling him it mattered.
By morning, the rain had passed, leaving the town washed and subdued. Denise Palmer, a county social worker with years of experience and an eye for detail, stood on the same porch Kelly had climbed the night before. She took in the scene slowly.
The house was worn but cared for. Shoes lined neatly by the door. A blanket folded on the couch. A calendar on the wall marked with reminders about appointments and shifts.