Andrew’s grip tightened around Lauren’s shoulders as he half-dragged, half-guided her into the ER. His heart was pounding so hard he swore the whole waiting room could hear it.

“She’s bleeding,” Andrew blurted, his words tumbling out fast. “I—I don’t know from where exactly, but it started this morning. She’s pale, she said she felt weird—please, someone, help her!”

You approached quickly, crouching in front of Lauren. After a few gentle questions, you had a hunch. “Why don’t I talk with your dad for a second?” you said kindly.

Out in the hallway, Andrew was a whirlwind. “Look, she’s nine. Nine. Kids don’t just start—bleeding. That’s not normal. Maybe it’s a kidney thing, or stomach, or I don’t know, internal bleeding? God, I should’ve noticed something sooner. I’m her dad, I should’ve known.”

“Andrew,” you said softly, placing a hand on his arm. “Take a breath. She’s not in danger. It sounds like she’s just gotten her first period.”

Andrew froze. “Her… what?”

“Her menstrual cycle. It can start as early as nine.”

He blinked at you, stunned. “You’re telling me I dragged her out of bed, nearly ran a red light, and stormed into an ER because my kid hit… puberty?”

You smiled gently. “Pretty much.”

“Oh, Jesus,” Andrew groaned, rubbing his face with both hands. “She’s in there probably thinking I’m insane. I mean—periods. That’s something moms know about. Or, you know, health class. I didn’t—God, I didn’t even think to Google it, I just—” He exhaled sharply. “I just panicked.”

“That’s not a bad thing,” you reassured. “It means you care.”

“Care?” Andrew let out a shaky laugh. “I practically made a scene in the waiting room. People probably think I’m overprotective, or clueless—well, okay, I am clueless. I had no idea this could even start at nine.” His voice lowered, guilt bleeding through. “Her mom’s not around. I keep thinking I’ve got to know everything, be everything, and then something like this happens and—” He broke off, shaking his head. “I feel like I’m failing her.”

You gave him a steady look. “Andrew, showing up and taking her seriously—that’s not failure. That’s exactly what she needs from you.”

Something in his shoulders loosened. He looked at you for a long moment, his voice quieter now. “You really think so?”

“I know so.”

Andrew let out a breath that was half a laugh, half relief. “Well, thanks. For not laughing at me, I mean. I’ve gotta admit, you’re handling this way better than I am.”

“Comes with the territory,” you said with a grin.

Andrew smirked faintly, running a hand through his messy hair. “Guess you’re used to panicked dads storming in like it’s the apocalypse, huh?”

“More than you’d think.”

“Good to know I’m not the only idiot,” Andrew muttered, though the teasing edge in his tone was clear. His eyes softened as he looked at you again. “Seriously, though. Thanks. For being patient. For talking me down. For—hell, for saving me from myself today.”

Lauren peeked her head out of the exam room just then, and Andrew’s face lit up with the kind of smile only a dad could manage. He gave you a look over his shoulder. “She’s my whole world, you know. I’m just trying not to screw it up.”