Chapter 10 - NOAH STOPS EATING
After surgery, Noah became afraid of swallowing.
Not medically unable.
Afraid.
Food went into his mouth.
Then he froze.
His throat closed psychologically.
He spat it out.
A feeding therapist worked with him.
Yogurt.
Applesauce.
Tiny bites.
Safe foods.
No hidden objects.
No surprises.
Every medication was shown to him before administration.
“This is acetaminophen.”
“This is the wrapper.”
“Here is the label.”
Control returned in small doses.
One nurse crushed medication into pudding without warning.
Noah panicked.
The nurse felt terrible.
Not malicious.
Habit.
After that, his chart included:
Explain all oral medications before administration. Do not conceal in food.
Medical trauma can be built by tiny repetitions of the original harm.
Avery understood.
She let Noah hold one sealed syringe of liquid medication while she explained.
“Your choice is now or in ten minutes.”
“Can I do fifteen?”
“Yes.”
May you like
Negotiation.
He took it at twelve.
