A chill ran through Allison. That reaction wasn’t the natural one for a father who had just received such news.
“I need to ask your daughter some questions unsupervised,” she continued. “It’s a medical and legal requirement. And I have to notify social services. It’s protocol.”
Robert’s face hardened.
“There’s no need to involve anyone. I’ll take care of it.”
The tone was dangerous. Controlled, but threatening. Even so, Allison wasn’t intimidated.
“It’s mandatory,” she repeated. “And I’ve already asked someone to come. I ask you to wait in reception.”
The man clenched his jaw, but finally left. The doctor waited a few seconds and returned to Emily.
The teenager was huddled on the examination table, breathing in short, shallow breaths.
“Emily,” Allison said gently, “I need you to tell me the truth. Do you know who the father is?”
The girl took several seconds to answer. Finally, she shook her head.
“I don’t want any trouble… He says that if I talk, he’ll ruin everything. That he’ll leave us with nothing.”
“Him?” “Are you referring to your father?”
The silence was confirmation.
Allison felt a mixture of indignation and deep sadness, but she kept her face calm.
“Emily, what you’re going through is extremely serious. You’re not alone. I’m going to protect you, okay?”
The teenager looked at her with desperate eyes.
“He never leaves me alone at home. He’s always watching me. And if I cry, he says it’s my fault. That I have to behave. That…” Her voice broke. “…that I should be grateful.”
Allison made a decision.
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