I place my left hand on Hamilton’s bouncing knee.

He immediately stills, eyes finding mine, and whispers, “Sorry.”

I knew he would be on edge when he struggled to fall asleep last night. I tried to assure him that she’s happy, healthy, and we’ll learn how to help her at this appointment—it’s all positive and nothing to worry about.

“How long has she been back there?” Hamilton murmurs, squirming in his waiting room chair.

I look at my cell phone ...