“Sarah?” he whispered.
She didn’t respond. He pulled a chair to the side of her bed and sat beside her. He tucked the blanket closer around her in case she was cold, she was always cold, Sarah, then he brushed a few matted curls from her cheek. He took her hand and watched her sleep. The doctor backed away, leaving them this time alone. James wished he couldn’t hear what was happening outside. The doctor was talking to the nurse who had found James asleep.
“I’m calling the authorities.” She sounded defiant, ready to stand up to the doctor, the administration, and anyone else who would tell her she was wrong.
“I examined him in my office,” the doctor said. “There’s nothing wrong with him.”
“Then bring him here. Let me listen to his heartbeat.”
James heard the uneasy pause. “No need for
