Esther’s POV
The morning began like any other, but I senseed a tremor in the air long before the screams reached me.
Carl was supposed to be at school. I had walked him there myself, holding his hand while he dragged his feet, grumbling about lessons. He had looked so much like Nicholas in that moment, stubborn chin raised, defiance hiding the fear I knew lay beneath. I kissed his head before sending him in. I told myself he would be fine. I lied.
The message came less than an hour later. A young student bursting into the hospital, wild-eyed and sobbing.
“Dr. Esther! It’s Carl! He’s—he’s not right!”
My heart plummeted. I didn’t wait for details. My legs carried me faster than I thought possible. I flew through the corridors, across the courtyard, down the lane toward t
