Sebastian's mother burst into tears on the spot.
Dr. Harris stood frozen nearby, mouth half-open, unable to get a word out.
The young doctor paid no attention to the commotion. He unwrapped Ivy's blanket, watched the rise and fall of her chest, then felt her carotid artery.
"Her heart rate's recovering." The young doctor straightened up. "This wasn't a congenital attack. It looks more like a temporary breath-hold triggered by a strong irritant."
I sat on the cold floor, my hands cradling Ivy. At his words, I looked at Vivian, a few steps away.
"I told you just now. It was her."
Vivian's face went white. She stepped back half a stride, her hands twisting the hem of her jacket.
"Investigate."
From the seat at the front of the hall, the patriarch—who'd been silent this whole time—sudd
