CHAPTER THREE

Olivia joined Rivky in the car. Despite the heat pouring out of the vents, the car hadn't really warmed up yet and Rivky was shivering.

"Do you want my jacket?" Olivia offered. "I'm warm."

"No, thank you," said Rivky politely.

The ride to the hospital was silent. Olivia turned on the radio and found a classical station. Rivky hummed along to the Vivaldi tune softly.

"We're here," said Olivia as they reached the hospital.

Once inside, the nurse immediately began the humiliating while Olivia talked Rivky through it. She held tight to the girl's hand as she was poked and prodded.

"You can get dressed again, Rivky," said the nurse once they had taken pictures of her many injuries.

Rivky went behind the screen and the nurse took Olivia aside.

"Well, she definitely had sex, and by the vaginal trauma, I'm leaning towards calling it rape. But what's concerning me is the lack of seminal fluid."

"What do you mean?" Olivia asked.

"Well, I didn't want to say anything in front of her, but I think she may have been raped with an object rather than…"

"So we have no idea who it was?"

"We can at least narrow it down to a large man," said the nurse. "The bruising pattern shows big hands and fingers."

Rivky emerged from behind the screen, clutching her side.

"Are you okay, Rivky?" Olivia asked urgently.

"I have a cramp," said Rivky with gritted teeth. "It hurts."

"Is it time for your period?"

"No, I just had it…I think I'm hungry."

Olivia gave her a small smile. "I think we can make a stop on the way home."