The room was heavy with tension as Brenda felt her patience fraying. Her mind screamed for answers, but deep down, she knew pushing too hard could make Stacey shut down entirely. For now, Brenda could only wait—though every second of silence felt like an eternity.
Dr. Lawson finished packing his bag and turned to Brenda, his expression firm. “Given the situation, I strongly suggest contacting Child Protective Services,” he said. Brenda’s stomach twisted. “Are you sure, Doctor?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. He nodded solemnly. “We need to ensure the baby’s safety. They can help.”