Chapter 31

                                        

                                              
The call from David came at 9:47 AM, just as I was getting Macy settled with her food tray. I was annoyed that we still hadn't been released, but I also get that overnight staff is sparse. The nurse had said we should be out by noon. I really wanted to get Macy home—and shower. Damn did I need a shower. 
Stepping out of the Emergency Department area, and out of Macy's hearing, I answered David's call. 
"Caden? It's done. Emergency custody granted, effective immediately. The judge reviewed everything—police reports, hospital records, Jessica's circumstances. She called it 'a clear case for child protection."
My legs were suddenly weak with relief. "Great. I don't want any decision-making left with Jess. Thanks, David."
"You now have full physical custody, for now. To make it permanent, we need the judge's formal order at the final hearing."
"What's that mean? Why isn't it permanent yet?"
David continued, "Well, the emergency hearing was just for the present circumstances. There still needs to be a full custody hearing. That's where we'll request sole custody—so you'll get physical custody and full legal decision-making capability."
"How long will that take?"
"I'll start the process to file for permanent custody. Our first step is a temporary custody hearing in the next couple of weeks. Then we'd get a final hearing. All told, probably 3 or 4 months start to finish."
My stomach plummeted. That felt like forever, "Okay. You'll get everything started?"
"I'm on it. Go take care of Macy and Felicity. I'll keep you posted on how things go with the case."
"Thanks, David."
I walked back toward Macy, entering her space.
"Can we go home yet?" she asked.
"Soon, honey."
"I'm so boooooooooored!"
Felicity and I both smiled. Damn kids are resilient. I'm still freaking out, meanwhile she's bored. I don't know if I will ever be bored again given how my heart hasn't stopped pounding for the last eighteen hours.
Dr. Patel arrived an hour later for final discharge instructions. Six weeks for the cast, follow-up with her doctor at home, keep the stitches dry, go to the local emergency department if she experienced dizziness or increased pain. All standard stuff, but I found myself taking meticulous notes on my phone as if I were studying for the most important test of my life.
"She's been through significant trauma," Dr. Patel said quietly while Macy was in the bathroom with Felicity. "Physical recovery will be straightforward, but watch for her emotional response. You may find she has nightmares, anxiety, starts to get clingy. All normal, but she'll need support."
"We're setting up therapy," I said.
"Good. I hope I'm not overstepping, but I'd recommend family therapy too. This affects all of you."
"Already on it." 
"Good. I wrote her out of school for the rest of the week, but I'd recommend getting back to routine as soon as you can."
"Got it." 
The drive home felt surreal. Three days ago, I'd been desperately trying to save my marriage. Now I was bringing my daughter home from the hospital after her mother had kidnapped and hurt her. How the hell was this real?
"We need to stop at the drug store," Felicity said. "Need to pick up her prescriptions—and maybe some treats for her," The last part Felicity whispered.