When Emily lay down on the examination table, Robert tried to stay in the room, but Allison politely insisted he wait outside.
“I’ll need space and to concentrate. Don’t worry, I’ll call you as soon as we’re finished.”
As soon as the door closed, Emily let out a shaky sigh.
“Does it hurt a lot?” the doctor asked as she applied the gel.
The girl shook her head, but her eyes filled with tears.
“No… it’s not that.”
The doctor moved the transducer across her abdomen, examining each area. Everything seemed normal, until she noticed something unexpected: a gestational sac. Emily was pregnant, probably about twelve weeks along.
The girl’s breathing quickened. Allison lowered the transducer and sat beside her.
“Emily… I want you to know you’re safe here. I need you to tell me if you wanted this, if you’re okay with this pregnancy.”
The teenager burst into tears.
“I… I didn’t know. And I can’t say anything. He…” She covered her mouth with her hand. “I can’t.”
Allison’s heart raced. Her mind ran through all the child protection protocols. They had to act carefully, but quickly.
“Emily, look at me,” she said gently. “Whatever’s happening, I can help you. No one has the right to hurt you.”