“Okay, young lady,” Mrs. Carter said, patting the operating table. “Let’s trade beds.”

“That’s a bed?” Becky cried, wrinkling her nose.

“Yup. A pretty funny one, isn’t it?”

“What’s that?” Becky was pointing to a circular device made of stainless steel and lined on the inside with thick foam rubber. It was attached to the head of the bed.

“That, kiddo, is where your head goes. How’s that for silly?”

“My head?”

“Yes, ma’am. Lie on your tummy, and rest your chin right here. Your mommy will come and sit in the chair here where you can see her.”

The nurse helped Becky rest her head in the cup, then began to adjust the stainless steel clamps. “I’ll just tighten this until it’s nice and comfy, and that way your head will be real still while the doctors fix you up. Okay?”

“Yes. This really is silly.”

Becky giggled happily, a sound that tore through Madeline like a serrated blade of steel. A scream started somewhere in the back of her throat, swelling up inside her until she had to clench her teeth to stop it from bursting out. Then just as suddenly, the silent scream was snuffed out by rolling waves of pain smashing at her body. Her knees buckled, and she sat down quickly, averting her face, glad that the surgical mask hid all but her eyes.

The nurse watched her sadly for a moment, then picked up a hypodermic needle from the tray and showed it to Becky, whose eyes suddenly grew wide with fear.

“Have you ever stuck your finger with a pin or a needle?”

“Uh huh,” Becky answered nervously.

“Well, this won’t hurt any more than that. Just one little teeny hurt for one teeny minute right here—” She touched the back of Becky’s neck. “Okay? Let your mother hold your hand.”

With great effort, Madeline leaned over and looked into the frightened brown eyes as she gripped the little hand. As her fingers encircled Becky’s wrist, she could feel the tiny pulse pounding and her daughter’s body stiffen.

“Ouch!” Becky’s body jerked slightly, then she gritted her teeth and squeezed her eyes tightly, preparing for more.

Mrs. Carter patted her. “Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“Is it done?”

“That’s it, kiddo.”

Becky’s eyes opened, bright with relief. “I didn’t cry, Mama.”

“You were a brave girl.” Madeline squeezed her hand and looked away.

For a few minutes the room was quiet while Mrs. Carter busied herself with several trays of equipment. Finally as she returned and touched the back of Becky’s neck, Madeline spoke softly. “What are they going to do to her?”