PIPER
I drop Timofey's hand like it's on fire.
If the nurse notices, she doesn't say anything. Her face is a horrifying mask of neutrality. The kind of expression that says,"Don't panic, but also don't get your hopes up."I've seen it on the face of too many social workers to count during my life. Hell, I've worn that mask myself.
Ironically, it only ever opens a deep well of panic up at the very center of me.
Today is no different.
"Do you know anything?" I pleaded.
My breathless question is drowned out by Timofey's command. "Tell me what is going on."
The woman's face sharpens slightly at his tone, but she's ever the professional. "You were both right to bring Benjamin in tonight."
"We don't need a gold star," Timofey growls. "Tell us what's wrong with him."
Her eyes narrow, but she continues on, voice gentle. "We ran some tests and it looks like Benjamin has a congenital heart defect."
