Madeline sat in a motorized wheelchair, dressed in white. Her long hair had been cut short and barely covered her ears.
A square of gauze remained taped to her left cheek.
Beneath it was a scar nearly 3 inches long. The plastic surgeons had done everything possible after she arrived at the hospital, but the cut had been too deep. She had also spent too long in filthy conditions before receiving treatment, and the wound had become infected. The scar would be permanent.
Linda was startled to see her. "Ms. Monroe, what brings you here?"
"I came to see Colton." Although Madeline looked far more battered than before, she still behaved as though she were his mother. "I bought him some toys."
At Madeline's cue, the caregiver behind her stepped forward with the bags. "Hello. Ms. Monroe brough
