He took the card, then the one offered by the social worker, who smiled kindly. “Stay with Dr. Dani until I come back. Have you and your brother eaten today?”

“Joshua had breakfast,” Michael said, evading the question, but the social worker’s eyes narrowed, like she’d seen right into his brain.

“Dr. Dani will get you both some food, then.” She patted his hand. “I’ll be back as soon as I can with information.”

“Thank you,” he voiced. Once the cop, the social worker, and the interpreter had left, he slumped in the chair. He was exhausted.

“I’ll do your stitches first,” Dr. Dani told him. “Then food.” She set a tray holding a curved needle with thick thread, gauze, scissors, and a syringe on the counter. “This won’t take long. I’m going to numb the area first. You’ll just feel a pinch.”

Michael gritted his teeth against the sting of the anesthetic she injected, closing his eyes when his empty stomach began to pitch. Don’t throw up. Do not throw up.

He counted backward from one hundred, then did it again until Dr. Dani touched his cheek. “All done,” she signed when he opened his eyes. Then she frowned. “You’re very pale. Are you feeling sick?”

Michael shook his head, instantly regretting the movement. “No,” he lied. “I think I need to eat,” he added, which was totally true. He hadn’t eaten a real meal in days. His stomach growled even as it gurgled. Do not throw up.

Coach Diesel appeared in front of him, giving his good shoulder a light squeeze. “You did good,” he signed. “Where would you like us to take you for lunch?”

Dr. Dani’s brows shot up. “Us?”

Coach Diesel smiled, and anyone could see the challenge in it. “Yes, us. Me, you, Michael, and Joshua. Joshua is my responsibility.” He spelled the word out awkwardly.

“Responsibility,” Dr. Dani said, showing him the sign. “And no, Joshua is now my responsibility.”

“I promised him ice cream,” Coach said.

The doctor narrowed her eyes at the big tattooed man. “You did not.”

Coach glanced at Michael, blinking innocently. “Didn’t I?”

Michael knew that the team got ice cream after games. He had no clue if Coach Diesel had or hadn’t offered it after today’s practice, but the coach had been kind to Joshua. And to me. Guys had to stick together. So he nodded to help the man out. “He did. Joshua is excited about it.”

Dr. Dani rolled her eyes. “Of course he is. Well, I haven’t taken my lunch hour yet and I don’t have another appointment till later this afternoon, so we’ll go. I can examine your shoulder when we get back.”

Michael’s gaze shot to the coach accusingly. “You told her about my shoulder, too?”

“I want you to be okay,” the coach signed, his expression sober.