Maya's POV
"Chen won't look at me." I hold my baby. He stares at the wall. Empty eyes. No recognition. "It's like he doesn't know who I am."
The pediatrician examines him carefully. Shines lights. Checks reflexes. Makes notes.
"How long was he separated from you?" she asks.
"Ten days. But it felt like forever."
"Ten days is a lifetime for a six-month-old. Their entire world is their primary caregiver. When that's taken away, it's traumatic. Devastating."
"Will he recover?"
"Some babies do. Some don't. We'll need to monitor him. Start therapy immediately. Hope for the best."
"Hope for the best? That's all you can offer?"
"I'm sorry. Brain development in infants is complex. Trauma affects different babies differently. Chen might bounce back in weeks. Or he might struggle for years. We just don't know yet."
I hold Chen closer. He doesn't react. Doesn't cuddle. Just lies in my arms like a doll.
"What about James?" Ethan asks. "He was separated too. Is he affected?"
