*Dr. Athena's pov*
Target's Name: Bill Wright
Bill exhibits a pattern of severe domestic abuse toward his wife and child. He appears to derive satisfaction from this behavior, treating it as a routine.
Amber, Bill's wife, often visits the hospital with injuries, including broken bones, torn ligaments, and sprains. Recently, she was treated for a torn retina. Although she claims these injuries are accidental, my colleagues and I suspect abuse. Many victims hesitate to disclose abuse due to fear or emotional attachment, and Amber seems afraid of her husband. Her repeated visits are concerning, and while I have offered her opportunities to speak, I may need to initiate a direct conversation.
A few weeks after Amber's last visit, I expected to see her again when I saw the name Wright on the chart. Instead, it was Ana, their daughter. Ana is usually energetic and talkative, often sharing stories about her dolls and school. Today, however, she was quiet and avoided eye contact, staring at the floor. Ana had significant injuries to her shoulders and neck, which appeared older and discolored. Her chart indicated she had fallen off her bike and broken her left wrist. I made eye contact with Ana, noting her swollen wrist resting in her other hand. She showed little reaction to pain, and her face was swollen with puffy, red eyes, suggesting she had been crying. Ana is a resilient child, and it is difficult to imagine the extent of pain and abuse she has endured.
"Hi Ana," I smiled. "Would you mind telling me how this happened?" I asked, observing her expression. "She fell from her bike. I told you that already," Bill replied from behind me. As he spoke, Ana's body tensed, and she began shuffling her feet, her eyes starting to water at the sound of his voice.
I stood up, noting Ana's physical reaction, which confirmed my suspicion that this was not an accident. "Yes, sir, I understand. I was just trying to confirm with her. I am required to ask." "Well, I already told you what happened. She's clumsy like her mother," he said, taking a seat by the door.
I paused to consider my next words and adjusted my tone. "Yes, I see," I said, meeting his gaze with a slight smile. "We'll begin with a quick X-ray to take some pictures of your wrist, okay, Ana?" I turned to her and smiled. "Okay," Ana replied softly.