“You need to wait outside,” she said, yanking at me.
“Get off me,” I growled.
They yanked harder.
“Ma’am. Let go.”
“No.”
“I said let go.”
“No!”
“Stop it,” the doctor cut in. His voice was firm. “It’s okay. Leave her be.”
The nurses hesitated. Then released me.
I let go of Lacey just enough to cradle her face in my hands.
“Lacey. What happened?”
Her eyes didn’t move. She stared straight past me.
“Lacey. Look at me.”
Nothing.
“Sweetheart, please. Look at me.”
Slowly, her gaze lifted. Met mine. But it wasn’t her. Not really. Those eyes were empty. Dead.
Tears slid down my cheeks, as hot as fire.
“Sweetie, what happened? You can tell me.”
But no words left her lips.
“What’s wrong with her?” I asked, turning to the doctor.
“She took a blow to the head,” the doctor explained. “Her CT scan shows no cracks or swelling. She was lucky.”
I turned back to her.
“Then why can’t she speak?”
“It’s likely shock,” he answered. “She hasn’t said a word since she regained consciousness at the hospital. Medically, she’s stable. But we’ll keep her overnight for observation, just in case. Give her a bit more time. She should be examined by a psychiatrist as soon as possible.”
I nodded slowly. Pulled her close again.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Mama’s here. I’m here now.”
Another tear slipped down my cheek. But this time I wiped it away and straightened. Calmed myself.
I needed to be strong for her.
“You’ll be okay,” I whispered. “Whatever happened, we’ll figure it out. And you’ll be okay.”
Chapter 8
