Then Caleb entered the frame carrying the folder.
“Sign them, or we’ll file for emergency guardianship.”
The two nurses moved toward me.
On-screen, one pushed my shoulder down.
The other pulled my arm toward the tray.
I heard myself say no.
Again.
Then louder.
No.
Ryan closed his eyes for half a second.
When he opened them, he watched every remaining second.
The pen forced between my fingers.
My legs striking the bed rail.
Margaret standing close enough to stop it.
Margaret choosing not to.
Then my body suddenly going still when I saw the camera.
The recording ended.
Ryan handed the phone back to me with both hands.
“I’m sorry.”
Margaret scoffed.
“Oh, please.”
Ryan turned.
She stopped.
“I spent years telling Claire that you didn’t mean things the way they sounded.”
His mother said nothing.
“I told her she misunderstood you.”
“Ryan—”
“I told her to be patient with you.”
