CHAPTER 2: THE SECRET INSIDE THE BOOTS
CHAPTER 2: THE SECRET INSIDE THE BOOTS
Over the next hour, doctors tried everything.
Gentle persuasion.
Games.
Toys.
Candy.
Nothing worked.
Sophie refused.
Every attempt ended with tears.
Finally Dr. Harris ordered X-rays.
The results shocked the medical team.
Something appeared to be packed inside both boots.
Large amounts of material.
Far more than normal socks or shoe inserts.
But the images weren't clear enough to identify exactly what it was.
The surgeon frowned.
"This isn't normal."
Meanwhile Sophie's pain continued worsening.
Her feet appeared swollen.
Her circulation was becoming compromised.
Removing the boots was no longer optional.
It was medically necessary.
Dr. Harris sat beside her again.
"Sophie."
The little girl stared at the floor.
"We have to look."
"No."
"We need to help your feet."
"No."
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Please don't."
"What are you afraid we'll find?"
Sophie remained silent.
Then whispered:
"The bugs."
The room froze.
"Bugs?"
She nodded.
Her mother looked horrified.
"What bugs?"
Sophie buried her face in her hands.
May you like
The surgeon exchanged a worried glance with the nurses.
Something about the way she said it felt terrifyingly real.
