Over coffee, Lucia explained her background: nursing degree, pediatric training, hospital experience, and private childcare. When Helena asked why she left the hospital, Lucia avoided mentioning that she’d been dismissed for questioning aggressive medication practices. She simply said she wanted more personal, hands-on care.
Helena nodded approvingly, then asked about Lucia’s personal life. When Lucia said she was single and childless, Helena smiled. “Perfect. You’ll be able to focus entirely on Emma.”
Emma, Lucia learned, was Helena’s stepdaughter. She was three years old and, according to Helena, “special.” Before introducing her, Helena handed Lucia a folder outlining Emma’s daily routine: rigid schedules, liquid meals, no stimulation—and heavy medication for sleep disorders.
Lucia’s brow furrowed. The dosages were far too high for a child that age. When she voiced concern, Helena replied coolly that everything was prescribed by a respected pediatric neurologist. Emma slept most of the day, which Helena described as “more convenient for everyone.”