Chapter 8 - The Price of Silence
Rachel listened while Julian recounted Owen's words.
"Write down the time and his exact language," she said.
"Save the call log. Do not return his call."
Julian did as she asked.
Across town, Meredith's attorney had already filed a complaint about Julian hitting her.
He did not dispute the facts.
"I hurt her," he told Rachel.
"I won't pretend saving Lena made that right."
"Good. The court will decide your responsibility for the assault separately from what happened to your daughter."
By morning, reporters had picked up a short police blotter item about a domestic dispute at the Ward home.
Julian's employer placed him on temporary leave until the immediate legal questions were resolved.
His supervisor sounded uncomfortable.
"This isn't a verdict, Julian. The company handles safety-sensitive situations carefully."
"I understand," Julian said.
He didn't feel understanding.
He felt as though his life were being dismantled one phone call at a time.
Lena noticed him staring at his phone.
"Are you in trouble because of me?"
"No. I'm responsible for what I did, and the adults are dealing with it."
"But you were helping me."
"I was helping you when I put your mask back. Hitting Meredith was a different choice."
Lena considered that.
"I don't want anyone to hit anybody."
"Neither do I."
He said it as a promise he intended to keep.
Later that afternoon, Dr. Patel requested another respiratory assessment.
Lena's breathing difficulties had continued despite the mask being correctly fitted.
"This tells us the illness is real and needs attention," the doctor said.
"Whatever Meredith did, we cannot treat the whole condition as something she invented."
Julian looked through the glass at his daughter.
Lena was sketching her gray rabbit in the corner of a hospital menu.
May you like
He had spent two days hunting an enemy.
Now he had to face something he could not defeat by anger: his daughter was still sick.
