The Other Voice

Sophie was fine.

Daniel had heard the words four times.

From the school nurse.

From Rachel.

From Sophie.

And now from a doctor at Cedar Grove Urgent Care.

"She's fine."

Dr. Patel smiled as she removed the small light from Sophie's eyes.

"No signs of a concussion. No dizziness. No nausea. Pupils look good."

Sophie sat on the examination table with an ice pack pressed against the side of her head.

"So I can go to practice?"

"No."

"What?"

Rachel laughed.

"Nice try."

"But she literally just said I'm fine."

Dr. Patel smiled.

"I said you're fine. I didn't say you should spend the evening running around."

Sophie looked at Daniel.

"Dad?"

Normally, Daniel would have negotiated.

Asked questions.

Maybe convinced Rachel that Sophie could at least go watch.

Instead, he was looking at his watch.

12:47.

The message was gone.

Of course it was.

"Daniel?"

He looked up.

"What?"

"Sophie asked you something."

"Sorry."

Sophie sighed.

"Never mind."

Rachel noticed.

Daniel could tell.

She didn't say anything.

That was worse.