Dr. Vasquez's POV

I've been treating children for fifteen years, and I've never seen a case quite like Lily Plia's. Not medically her heart surgery was routine, her recovery textbook perfect. But the circumstances surrounding her care have been... unusual.

"Dr. Vasquez?" My nurse appears in the doorway, clipboard in hand. "Your two o'clock is here."

Lily bounces into my office, followed by Riley, who looks better than she has in months. There is color in her cheeks, confidence in her posture. ...