So I didn’t.
“I know.”
Hours later, the test results came back.
Julian had no sedatives in his system.
For one brief second, I nearly collapsed with relief.
Then Dr. Harris turned to Sophie.
“Your bloodwork shows traces of benzodiazepines.”
Sophie stared at him.
“I haven’t taken anything today.”
“The levels suggest repeated low-dose exposure over time.”
The room went silent.
I heard every machine.
Every footstep in the hall.
Every breath Sophie did not take.
Dr. Harris’s voice softened. “Mrs. Sterlington, did anyone give you medication without proper prescription labeling?”
Sophie looked at me.
Then at Julian.
Then she nodded once.
That nod became the hinge on which everything turned.
