Hospital records from my childhood showed three separate emergency room visits for injuries my parents had explained away as accidents. A broken wrist at age seven, supposedly from falling off my bike. A concussion at 11, attributed to tripping down the stairs. Bruised ribs at 14, blamed on a mishap during gym class.
The doctor’s notes, however, told a different story. One physician had documented concerns about the pattern of injuries. Another had noted that my explanations seemed rehearsed, my mother’s interjections too quick and defensive. Child protective services had been contacted twice, but both investigations had closed quickly. My parents social standing and my father’s business connections had apparently carried significant weight.
