The hearing began with medicine.
Not emotions.
My obstetric records.
Postpartum hemorrhage.
Anemia.
Discharge instructions.
Hospital collapse.
The physician testified carefully.
“Was Alessandra ordered to remain in bed?”
“No.”
Good.
“Was normal gradual activity encouraged?”
“Yes.”
“Was sustained household labor required medically?”
“No.”
“Was sleep deprivation therapeutic?”
“No.”
“Did you advise family members to wake her from naps?”
“No.”
“Could anemia, inadequate intake, dehydration, and sleep loss contribute to syncope?”
“Yes.”
“Can you prove one specific chore caused the collapse?”
“No.”
Correct.
Then the night nurse company.
Cancellation.
My supposed request.
Housekeeper.
Meal service.
Then messages.
Marcia:
Rest when work is done.
Colin:
She’s anemic.
Marcia:
Then she moves slowly.
The courtroom became quiet.
No single dramatic blow.
A pattern.
That was harder.
