Chapter 2 - The Markings on Her Skin
Dr. Morrison did not look up immediately. Her shoulders remained set in an unyielding, rigid line as she leaned closer to Lily’s lower abdomen and thighs. Under the sterile halogen bulb, the faint discoloration I had mistaken for mild chafing or heat rash in our dimly lit bathroom looked altogether different.
Across Lily’s pale skin was an intricate, blistering geometric pattern—a web of inflamed, purplish-red welts that formed almost precise linear tracks. It looked nothing like an allergic reaction or childhood eczema. It resembled contact burns caused by an industrial solvent or prolonged exposure to high-voltage static discharge.
"Claire," Dr. Morrison said, her tone deliberately even, though the tremor in her voice was unmistakable. "Did Lily spill anything on herself? Bleach, cleaning fluid, or an electronic charger?"
"No," I stammered, my heart hammering violently against my ribs. I reached out, my fingers hovering an inch above my daughter's stomach without daring to touch. "She only takes bubble baths with the hypoallergenic soap we’ve used since she was an infant. She hasn't touched any chemicals. What is that?"
Lily squeezed my hand with desperate strength, burying her face into my sweater. "It gets hot, Mommy," she whimpered, her words muffled against the wool. "When the room gets dark, it starts to sting. Like tiny needles."
Dr. Morrison carefully smoothed Lily’s clothing back into place, avoiding applying any pressure to the inflamed skin. She turned to me, her silver-framed glasses catching the harsh glare of the ceiling fixtures. "I am ordering an immediate pediatric toxicology panel and admitting Lily for overnight observation. Furthermore, protocol requires me to notify our on-duty protective services coordinator and local law enforcement."
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The word *police* dropped like lead into my stomach. "You think someone hurt her?"
"I think your daughter has sustained targeted chemical and thermal contact dermatitis," Dr. Morrison replied, keeping her voice low so as not to distress Lily further. "And whatever caused this has been sitting inches away from her skin while she sleeps."
