Later, at the end of the day, Ms. Hendrix sat with Dr. Morwell, reviewing patient responses to the recent changes. They moved carefully through the list until they reached Thomas.

  Dr. Morwell leaned back slightly.

  “Thomas is… an interesting case,” he said. “Is there anything you can tell me that might help him feel more comfortable? What I thought would open him up to me seemed to do the opposite.”

  Ms. Hendrix considered that.

  “When I worked with Thomas, I sometimes wondered if he was even human,” she said quietly. “You know that tone—cold, detached, almost observational? When I told him I was leaving, that’s what I got. It was like he was genuinely upset, but also… aware that it was the correct outcome.”

  Dr. Morwell frowned.

  “No. That doesn’t track. He sounded so understanding.”

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  “He is very understanding,” Ms. Hendrix replied. “That’s part of the problem. In some ways, he’s remarkably mature for his age. But his emotional regulation is fragile. I waited six months for him to finally break down. And when he did, it was so subtle that—if not for the family he’s with now—I’m not sure anyone would have recognized it for what it was.”

  Dr. Morwell leaned forward.

  “How did it present?”

  “From what I was told,” she said, “they found him in his room, curled against the wall, rocking himself.” She paused. “Do you know what triggered it?”

  “Based on his file,” Dr. Morwell said slowly, “it could have been any number of things.”

  “It was acceptance,” Ms. Hendrix said. “People wanting him. Wanting him as part of a family. Can you imagine?” She shook her head. “For context—being chased by a sibling and threatened with a beating doesn’t even register as trauma for him.”

  Dr. Morwell exhaled.

  “They warned me this would be a test,” he said. “I didn’t realize how literal that was. If I’m right, Thomas is meant to be my primary focus. Next week, while he’s at school, I’ll meet the people on this list.” He glanced down. “Ruth Mendelson—the woman who runs the household where he lives. She should be your strongest point of contact. Stay connected with her.”

  Ms. Hendrix nodded.

  “I’ve noticed,” Dr. Morwell continued, “that most of our discussions have stayed very carefully within the boundaries of Thomas’s emotional health. I assume that’s where I come in.”

  He was quiet for a moment.

  “Now I understand why they called it a test.”