Peter Lang was not a psychiatrist.

He was a licensed family therapist.

Seraphine had attended four sessions with him.

Maisie had attended two.

Adrian had attended none.

Seraphine told Lang that Adrian approved.

He did not verify.

A mistake.

Not necessarily illegal, depending on paperwork, but careless.

Seraphine reported:

Maisie hated Clara.

Maisie stood over the crib at night.

Maisie hid baby bottles.

Maisie once whispered:

“I wish she wasn’t here.”

Was any of it true?

Maisie admitted the last sentence.

Once.

After Clara cried all night.

She told Rebecca:

“I wished she would go back in Seraphine’s tummy.”

A six-year-old’s frustration became evidence of danger.

Lang wrote:

Sibling jealousy appears elevated. Monitor closely. Consider structured behavioral support if escalation occurs.

He never recommended residential placement.

Seraphine transformed the phrase.

She drafted a packet describing “potential intensive therapeutic placement.”

Then attached Lang’s note.

He was furious when shown.

“I did not say she needed removal.”

Adrian asked:

“Did she ever tell you I approved?”

“Repeatedly.”

Peter looked ashamed.

“I should have spoken to you directly.”

Adrian almost blamed him.

Then stopped.

Everyone had relied on someone else’s version.

Adrian included.

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