Chapter 10 - The Messages He Never Got
Ms. Alvarez spoke with the careful precision of someone who had replayed an uncomfortable conversation many times.
"Lena used to join our remote lessons twice a week," she said.
"Then she began missing sessions and falling asleep during reading."
"Why didn't you call me?"
"We did. The number on file reached Meredith. She told us you were unavailable during work hours."
"You could have emailed."
"We did that, too. The family account sent replies signed with your name."
Julian lowered himself into a chair.
"What did the replies say?"
"That Lena's medical team wanted her lessons reduced and that her father agreed."
"I agreed to nothing."
Ms. Alvarez paused.
"I believe you. We also referred our concerns through the school's student-support process. I can share the documented communication with the investigator."
She wasn't claiming a teacher could solve a medical mystery.
She was saying that people had noticed Lena disappearing and that their warnings had been redirected.
Julian asked for the records to be preserved.
Then he returned to Lena's room.
"Tasha asked about you," he said.
Lena sat up.
"Really?"
"She sent your teacher a drawing of a dog wearing sunglasses."
Lena laughed, then caught herself, as though happiness required permission.
"Meredith said everybody got tired of waiting for me."
Julian pulled his chair closer.
"She was wrong."
"How do you know?"
"Because I talked to your teacher instead of guessing."
Lena traced the crooked star on Captain Rabbit's chest.
"I used to tell Meredith I wanted to go back. She said sick kids don't get to choose."
Julian felt the old surge of anger.
This time he kept his voice level.
"You get to have a say in your life. Your doctors will help us figure out what's safe."
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His phone vibrated with a message from Detective Brooks.
We have obtained the trust records. There is something in the approval history you need to discuss with your attorney.
