Sofia nodded, her mind racing. That evening, she called the number listed in the medical records.<\/p>\n
\u00abGood evening, this is the school nurse,\u00bb she began.<\/p>\n
\u00abHe\u2019s not sick,\u00bb a man\u2019s voice quickly interrupted. \u00abWe don\u2019t make a habit of running to the doctor for every little thing.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abI\u2019ve noticed he wears the hat all the time, even in the heat. Could it be that he has scalp sensitivity or another condition?\u00bb<\/p>\n
There was a long pause. Then the man spoke again, his tone cold:<\/p>\n
\u00abIt\u2019s a family decision. It\u2019s none of your concern. He knows he must wear it.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abI also noticed a stain on the hat, something that looks like blood. Was there an injury?\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abJust some minor scrapes. We\u2019ve taken care of it. Without your help. Don\u2019t call again.\u00bb<\/p>\n
A week later, the class teacher rushed into the nurse\u2019s office, her face full of concern.<\/p>\n
\u00abHe\u2019s been having terrible headaches,\u00bb she whispered urgently. \u00abHe holds his head, staggers, and barely speaks.\u00bb<\/p>\n
The boy sat on the examination table, his eyes downcast, hands pressed to his head.<\/p>\n
\u00abSweetheart, listen to me,\u00bb Sofia knelt before him. \u00abI need to take a look. We\u2019ll close the door so no one will see.\u00bb<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t respond, but trembled as he whispered:<\/p>\n
\u00abDad told me not to take it off. He\u2019ll be angry. And my brother said\u2026 if anyone finds out, they\u2019ll take me away. It\u2019ll be my fault.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Sofia sighed deeply and put on gloves.<\/p>\n
\u00abYou\u2019re not to blame. Let me help you, okay?\u00bb<\/p>\n
He closed his eyes and nodded silently.<\/p>\n
When she carefully lifted the hat, the boy screamed.<\/p>\n
\u00abIt\u2019s stuck\u2026 it hurts\u2026\u00bb<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
When it finally came free, both women froze.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u00abMy God\u2026\u00bb they whispered, both of them covering their mouths in shock.<\/p>\n
The boy sat silently, eyes closed.<\/p>\n
\u00abDad said I was bad,\u00bb he whispered. \u00abMy brother bought the hat so no one would see\u2026 He said it would pass\u2026\u00bb<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sofia nodded, her mind racing. That evening, she called the number listed in the medical records. \u00abGood evening, this is the school nurse,\u00bb she began. \u00abHe\u2019s not sick,\u00bb a man\u2019s voice quickly interrupted. \u00abWe don\u2019t make a habit of running to the doctor for every little thing.\u00bb \u00abI\u2019ve noticed he wears the hat all the…<\/p>\n