Sofia nodded, her mind racing. That evening, she called the number listed in the medical records.

«Good evening, this is the school nurse,» she began.

«He’s not sick,» a man’s voice quickly interrupted. «We don’t make a habit of running to the doctor for every little thing.»

«I’ve noticed he wears the hat all the time, even in the heat. Could it be that he has scalp sensitivity or another condition?»

There was a long pause. Then the man spoke again, his tone cold:

«It’s a family decision. It’s none of your concern. He knows he must wear it.»

«I also noticed a stain on the hat, something that looks like blood. Was there an injury?»

«Just some minor scrapes. We’ve taken care of it. Without your help. Don’t call again.»

A week later, the class teacher rushed into the nurse’s office, her face full of concern.

«He’s been having terrible headaches,» she whispered urgently. «He holds his head, staggers, and barely speaks.»

The boy sat on the examination table, his eyes downcast, hands pressed to his head.

«Sweetheart, listen to me,» Sofia knelt before him. «I need to take a look. We’ll close the door so no one will see.»

He didn’t respond, but trembled as he whispered:

«Dad told me not to take it off. He’ll be angry. And my brother said… if anyone finds out, they’ll take me away. It’ll be my fault.»

Sofia sighed deeply and put on gloves.

«You’re not to blame. Let me help you, okay?»

He closed his eyes and nodded silently.

When she carefully lifted the hat, the boy screamed.

«It’s stuck… it hurts…»

Sofia moved slowly, using antiseptic and bandages, working carefully. The hat came off with great difficulty, as though it had been adhered to his skin.

When it finally came free, both women froze.

Beneath the hat was no hair. Only burns. Dozens of them. Deep, round, oozing wounds. Some were fresh, others had started to heal. Cigarette burns. Torn, inflamed skin.

«My God…» they whispered, both of them covering their mouths in shock.

The boy sat silently, eyes closed.

«Dad said I was bad,» he whispered. «My brother bought the hat so no one would see… He said it would pass…»

That same evening, the police arrived to take the father away. Doctors examined the boy at the hospital and placed him in a safe environment.