Chap4 When is a lie a kinder gesture?
Thank you so much for the wonderful review please keep them coming.
I had my last exam today (thank God) and I got accepted for an interview for primary teaching at Strathclyde University on the 16th of March!
Disclaimer
It aint mine.
Lisa and David sighed as they looked at Sands on the bed. They exchanged knowing glances to one another.
The doctor misread their glances as a shared concern for their son. "Sheldon will be alright. His tongue is very inflamed and he had lost a lot of blood. However we think we have managed to stabile the condition in time. We will need to keep him in here for a few nights observation. He will need a lot of rest and a course of strong antibiotics and painkillers to ward off any infection that may have set in or be threatening to set in. Oh and it may also please your son to know we may also be able to salvage the piercing," he said smiling ever so slightly.
Lisa and David nodded slowly. They turned their gaze away from Sands and turned to face the doctor. The doctor couldn't help but noticed that their movements seemed to mirror one another. He had a feeling they had something on their minds that they had discussed earlier perhaps even on their way to the hospital. "You said there were some other issues that we needed to discuss?" David finally asked.
The doctor's slightly smiling face turned serious at his words. "Yes that is correct. I feel it is best we discuss this issue in my office. The nurses and doctors will look after Sheldon and know to page me immediately if there are any changes," he said gently. Dr John Rey was a kind elderly doctor who held a genuine concern and general liking for all patients under his care. He was not looking forward to having this discussion with Sheldon's parents although he knew it was something they had too know and not telling them could put the boy at a further risk..
Lisa and David followed him to his office. When they were all seated at his office he offered them tea or coffee which they declined. "Now Mr and Mrs Hanson please try not to be too worried by what I am about to tell you," he started.
David and Lisa waited nervously for him to go on. Deep down they knew that what he was going to say was going to confirm what they had already decided although they hadn't said anything to each other they both knew they were thinking along the same track.
"While we were treating your son we noticed he has deep cuts in his arms. He also has some scarring along with some old and fresh wounds. These marks clearly indicate that your son has been self harming. Now before you get too upset there is no proof to confirm these marks on your son's arms are the cause of self harming. Although I have to ask, is there any reason you can think of that may given your son a reason to harm himself?" he asked gently. Doctor Rey knew just how difficult it was to hear that their child is deliberately harming themselves not to mention being asked to think of a possible reason behind it.
Lisa sighed heavily. "As you have already seen from his file we are Sheldon's foster parents. He has had a bad up bringing a lot of it he doesn't even talk to us about," she said quietly.
Doctor Rey nodded. "Perhaps some therapy or counselling may help him. Another reason as to why I am suggesting this is when we tested Sheldon's blood the results showed he had dangerous levels of alcohol and cannabis in his blood. The alcohol made the tongue piercing a lot more dangerous as alcohol thins the blood making any kind of blood loss a lot more serious and dangerous," he added.
"If you could just sign this form I can begin to arrange a councillor to come and see Sheldon as soon as he feels strong enough," Doctor Rey said placing a form and a pen on the table in front of them.
They remained silent for a moment sharing more nervous glances. "We are sorry doctor but we have being giving this a lot of serious thought and we have decided we are unable to give Sheldon the level of support he is clearly in need of. We got in touch with his social worker yesterday. Sheldon will not be returning home to us once he is released from here. He will be sent to a secure unit for juvenile delinquents. All of Sheldon's medical care will need to be taken up with them," she said passing a card with the contact details to Doctor Rey.
