Chapter 6 - The Long Shadow of Neglect
Despite the massive positive changes in the household, the physical damage inflicted by Cordelia could not be magically erased overnight.
Dr. Aris Thorne, the finest pediatric specialist in Los Angeles, sat in Julian's living room with a very grim expression.
He had just spent two hours conducting exhaustive medical examinations on both little girls.
"I will not sugarcoat this for you, Julian," Dr. Thorne said, placing his stethoscope back into his black leather bag.
"Both Ivy and Maeve are suffering from severe, long-term caloric deficiency and profound vitamin malnutrition."
Julian felt entirely sick to his stomach, rubbing his tired face with both of his large hands.
"Can it be entirely reversed?" Julian asked, his voice shaking with terrifying, desperate vulnerability.
"Yes, but it is going to be an incredibly slow and delicate process," the doctor explained patiently.
"If we introduce heavy, rich foods too quickly, their weakened digestive systems will completely shut down."
Eleanor sat quietly on the sofa nearby, taking careful, meticulous notes in a small spiral notebook.
"We need a strict regimen of small, frequent, highly nutritious meals," Dr. Thorne continued.
"I understand exactly what to do, Doctor," Eleanor interjected gently, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear.
"Broths, soft vegetables, and easily digestible proteins, spaced out every three hours."
The doctor looked at Eleanor with genuine, profound respect.
"Exactly, you seem to know perfectly well how to handle pediatric recovery," Dr. Thorne noted with a warm smile.
Once the doctor left the mansion, Julian collapsed heavily onto the plush sofa, burying his face in his hands.
"I paid that evil monster nine thousand dollars a month to slowly kill my children," Julian whispered, completely shattered.
Eleanor walked over and placed a warm, comforting hand on his broad shoulder.
"You cannot change the past, Julian, no matter how much money or power you possess," she said softly.
"But you have completely changed their future, and that is what makes you a good father."
Julian looked up at her, finding immense comfort in her wise, deeply compassionate eyes.
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He was finally ready to stop punishing himself for his tragic past.
It was time to fully focus on healing the precious little family he still had left.
