Charlotte Read Online Free Page B

normally bring on this condition. I just need to rule things out." He scribbled once more. "Does Amy have any medical conditions, anything that may affect the brain?"
    Bruce said nothing. Patricia nodded slowly. "She has weak lungs, due to asthma. It's calmed down in recent years. We didn’t know how severe it was until…"
    "What, Mrs. Brunswick?"
    "She was playing on a swing in a playground and she fell, hit her chin and then her chest. She was unconscious for several minutes. I've never been so frightened in all my life. When we got her checked out, we found out she has weak lungs. Winding her pretty much renders her unconscious. I'm a little protective because of this…no playgrounds, no physical activities. I don’t want her getting winded and falling on her neck or something."
    "Understandable," the doctor said as he scribbled some more.
    Patricia sighed. "Dr. Barden, is this normal behaviour? The friend thing, I mean."
    "Depends on your view. Kids develop in different ways. Some have actual friends, some are outgoing and normal. Others don't, they become secluded. That sometimes means imaginary friends or total isolation from social contact."
    Bruce retorted, "She had friends. She goes out and stuff...used to. The boy next door is her best friend and they always hang out together."
    "Not always, Bruce. I don’t think they've spoken in months."
    "Well, I don’t know. I'm never there."
    Dr. Barden, sensing a conflict, coughed. Both parents looked towards him. "Let's focus on Amy for now, she's our main concern."
    Both parents nodded in silence.
    A soft knock on the door caught Dr. Barden's attention. "Excuse me." He stood up, taking his notepad with him. He reached the door and opened it. A few words exchanged; he nodded, and closed the door. He returned to his seat. "Sorry about that, my cleaner."
    "Problem?" Patricia asked, sipping her water.
    "No, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. She blitzes my office on a daily basis. After each shift, she comes in and works her magic. I couldn’t work here without her, she keeps it spotless."
    "Nice."
    "It's a little extreme and obsessive but, hey, it keeps my office clean and I know I can relax. However, I'm sorry to interrupt your time for this."
    Both parents nodded, accepting the mild interruption.
    Dr. Barden nodded. "So, let's continue. Now, what's the boy's name? The boy next door?"
    "Mike. Mike King."
    "Uh huh." The doctor made a note. "How long have they known one another?"
    "Couple of years. We sometimes have him over to the house for dinner. His parents too."
    "See, this is good. She has normal friends, normal contact. Or did. This can all help in the long term." Dr. Barden placed his hands on the notepad. He laced his fingers together.
    Both of the parents smiled. Bruce placed his hand on Patricia's trembling palm.
    "How long has she been exhibiting this…friendship?"
    "A week, maybe two. Maybe longer that we don’t know of," Patricia answered, swallowing. Bruce gripped the back of her hand.
    "And the friend's name?"
    "Charlotte."
    "Charlotte?"
    "Yes."
    "Do you know anyone called Charlotte? Anyone in your family or anyone related to you?"
    "No."
    "Are there any friends at Amy's school called Charlotte?"
    "Not that I'm aware of."
    "How about anyone who…" Dr. Barden pushed his glasses up his nose. "…passed away?"
    "No. Is this important?"
    "Could be." Dr. Barden smiled. "It's better to have all the facts before making a diagnosis. Sometimes, it's a phase and passes quite quickly."
    "Good to hear. She's been…brighter since it happened."
    "Brighter?" Dr. Barden picked up his pen.
    "Yes, more outgoing, confident. I've never seen her so happy."
    Dr. Barden made a note. "Has she changed in a negative way?"
    "No, not that I'm aware of."
    Bruce stood up, pushing his chair back. "Doctor, I feel you're wasting our time…"
    "Sit down, Bruce," Patricia growled.
    "Please sit down, Mr. Brunswick. I just need the facts. Without the facts, I can't help you."
    "You're being very