Page 110 of Everything She Feared

“Yes. Maybe you can find out more. I’m concerned. I’m worried.”

“I understand.”

“Because there’s more.” Sara paused. “I don’t know how to put this—it’s so difficult.”

“Sometimes it helps to just say it.”

Sara nodded and took a deep breath.

“If there was a history of violence in our family, part of our family, could that be passed down? Could it be inherited?”

“Violence?” Dr. Mehta looked at her for a long moment. “Has there been abuse in Katie’s family?”

“What?”

“Do you suspect Katie’s been abused?”

“No, I—”

“Sara, before you go any further, I need to inform you that I have a legal obligation to report any suspected abuse to police.”

“No.” Sara’s face whitened; she began shaking her head. “No, please, you misunderstood.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, no, nothing like that. No, Dr. Mehta, this must remain confidential. Please.”

“Alright, just so you’re aware of my mandated duty. Please, continue.”

Sara took a moment to collect her thoughts.

“I’m sorry this is so complicated. It’s hard for me.”

“I understand. Take your time.”

“What I’m trying to say, to ask you, is if, if someone in Katie’s family history was a violent person, could Katie inherit that, that violent trait? Could it be passed down through her genes, or something like that?”

Dr. Mehta nodded, processing the question, removing her glasses and tapping them to her chin as she thought.

“Let me ask you something that may or may not be related,” Dr. Mehta said. “Within the context of Anna’s tragedy, Katie had referenceda boy, but declines to elaborate. Is it related?”

Sara shook her head. “A few years ago, Katie was present when a boy died, and it troubled her.”

“She was present when a boy died? Could you tell me more about the circumstances?”

Sara was silent.

“Sara.” Dr. Mehta leaned forward. “It might help me understand the entire context of Katie’s trauma.”

“It was tragic. But that case is not related in any way.”

“So why not tell me? Katie brought it up, so it might be related. It might help if I know a little more about it.”

“No! No, it wouldn’t. Please, it was complicated. Please, Dr. Mehta, we must keep this confidential. I don’t want to discuss that. My worry in coming to you was about inheriting violent family traits.”

“Okay.” Dr. Mehta held up a palm. “We’ll set aside the boy for now.”

Dr. Mehta let a moment pass, slid on her glasses and continued.

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