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I stared at the glowing image of the tumor and understood the terrible bargain we had been given.
The test that nearly destroyed our family might also have saved my daughter’s life.
Chapter Five
The Damage Done Before the Diagnosis
Sophie was admitted to the pediatric oncology floor shortly after midnight.
By morning, the story had escaped the hospital.
Daniel’s phone began ringing before sunrise. He ignored the first two calls, then stepped into the hallway to answer the third. When he returned, his face was empty.
“What happened?” I asked.
He looked at Sophie before lowering his voice.
“Brookfield placed me on administrative leave.”
Daniel taught fifth-grade science. He had worked at the same elementary school for eleven years without a single complaint.
“Why would the school even know?”
Daniel looked toward Eric, who was sleeping in a chair near the window.
Someone had contacted the superintendent while we were waiting for the ultrasound. The caller reported that Daniel was being questioned after a ten-year-old girl in his home tested positive for pregnancy.
I woke Eric.
“Did you call Daniel’s school?”
He sat up slowly.
“I believed a child might be in danger.”
“You knew the ultrasound found no pregnancy.”
“I made the call before the ultrasound.”
“Then call them again.”
Eric rubbed both hands over his face.
“The doctors still haven’t explained the hormone.”
“They found a tumor in her brain!”
“That doesn’t automatically erase every concern.”
Daniel stepped between us.
“Stop.”
His voice was quiet, but Sophie opened her eyes.
“Why are you fighting?”
“No reason, bug,” Daniel said.
Sophie looked at him.
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