She enters with measured calm, her eyes scanning the space. It’s clean, warm, and quiet. Soup simmers on the stove, and there are no sharp edges where they shouldn’t be.
Dr. Kaplan steps into view behind me, her presence a calm anchor in the chaos. “I’m Dr. Kaplan. I’m here on a house call.”
Reyes nods, her expression shifting to one of curiosity. “Oh?”
As she focuses on Dr. Kaplan, I quickly tap out a message to Deacon, knowing he’ll relay the details to Claudia without delay.
“Lucy contracted a mild viral illness,” Kaplan explains, her voice steady and reassuring. “Hildy has been caring for her the way every child deserves, but it seems she’s caught the bug too.” A gentle smile breaks across Dr. Kaplan’s face. “We spoke around nine this morning. I assured her she was doing everything right. Mr. Faulker requested that I come when Hildy showed symptoms. They’re both resting now.”
Reyes jots down a note, her brow slightly furrowed. “That aligns with what Lucy’s case worker back in Elmira mentioned.” She glances up, her tone professional. “This visit is standard for any new kinship placement or changes in caregiving. We just need to assess the environment and confirm the care plans.”
I nod, feeling the familiar comfort of protocols. I can navigate these systems with ease. She prompts me to walk her through the day’s events, asking about supervision, medical care, and overnight arrangements. I provide clear answers, and Dr. Kaplan affirms my responses when necessary.
“I’d like to see Lucy,” Reyes states, her tone softening. “If she’s sleeping, I won’t disturb her.”
We move down the hallway together. Lucy remains asleep, her cheek flushed but no longer burning with fever. Hildy lies beside her, an arm protectively draped around the little girl, her breathing shallow yet steady.
In the kitchen, the folder closes with a soft thud. “This satisfies the visit,” Reyes announces, her demeanor professional yet warm. “Everything appears appropriate. We’ll check in again as scheduled, but there’s nothing further needed tonight.” No threats linger in the air, just the routine nature of her visit.
“Thank you,” I reply sincerely, grateful for the straightforwardness of the process.
“All good,” Kaplan confirms, her gaze meeting mine. “Text me if anything changes.”
Once she’s gone, Marisol Reyes scans the space, her eyes landing on the calendar hanging on the wall.
“Please check whatever you need,” I say, pointing to it.“Ah, yes. That’s so Lucy knows where her people are and when.”
“That’s good.” She smiles.
She leans in and quietly asks, “Were you prepared for this, or is this how you always are?”
It’s an odd question. I answer honestly. “It’s how Hildy is. I’m just keeping up.”
She glances at the closed bedroom door. “She’s good at it. You’re lucky.”
“I know,” I agree.
The door swings open, and Claudia steps in, her coat half-on and phone still clutched in her hand, embodying her usual whirlwind energy.
“Routine check,” I say, cutting her off before she can inquire further, then turn back to Reyes. “Claudia is a close friend and a psychologist.”
Reyes offers a friendly smile as she reaches out to shake Claudia’s hand. “You were with Hildy in Elmira.”
“That’s right,” Claudia responds, her smile faltering slightly, revealing her concern.
“Everything is fine,” Reyes responds, though a trace of worry lingers in her voice. “Well, aside from the fact that they’re both feeling a bit under the weather.”
“Hildy texted me yesterday,” Claudia adds, her gaze darting to me for a moment before returning to Reyes. “She seemed to be managing well. When I checked in today, she mentioned shewas tired, but we thought it was just from being up most of the night to care for Lucy.”
“It’s reassuring to know she has such a strong support system,” Reyes replies, “I’m all set here.”
“Thank you for stopping by,” I say now that I’m much more relaxed.
She glances around one last time, “I’ll need to get a look at the apartment they’ll be moving into at some point, but what a beautiful home and family Lucy has found here and in all of you.”
“She deserves that, and so much more.”
Chapter 16
