The bus driver notices a CRYING girl every day, looks under the SEAT after getting off and FAILS at what he sees…

Nearly two hours had passed since they’d arrived at the hospital. The social worker, a compassionate woman named Ms. Rivera, occasionally updated him on what was happening, but the details were necessarily limited due to privacy concerns. As Walter sipped a cup of mediocre coffee from the vending machine, Ms. Rivera approached him again.

Mr. Harmon, she said, taking a seat beside him. Rory is asking for you. They’ve finished the initial examination and she’s been moved to a private room.

If you’d like to see her, I can take you there now. Walter stood immediately. Yes, please.

Ms. Rivera led him through a maze of corridors to a small room where Rory sat on the edge of a hospital bed. She looked impossibly small in the oversized hospital gown, her eyes red-rimmed but dry for the moment. A female doctor was making notes on a tablet near the window.

Walter, Rory said, a hint of relief in her voice. How are you doing, kiddo? he asked gently, taking a seat in the chair beside her bed. Before she could answer, the doctor spoke up.

Mr. Harmon, I’m Doctor. Chen, I understand you’re the one who initially noticed something was wrong. Walter nodded.

I’m Rory’s bus driver. I noticed her crying on the bus every day and then found those pills. Dr. Chen’s expression was grave.

I’ve completed my examination of Rory and I’ve confirmed that she is indeed pregnant, currently in the first week of pregnancy. Walter closed his eyes briefly, the confirmation of his worst fears hitting him like a physical blow. When he opened them again, he saw tears silently streaming down Rory’s face.

A commotion in the hallway interrupted the moment. A woman’s voice, high with panic, could be heard demanding information from the hospital staff. Seconds later, the door burst open and two women rushed in, one in her late thirties and another perhaps twenty years older.

Rory, the younger woman cried, rushing to the bed and gathering the girl in her arms. Oh my God, baby, what happened? The police called and said she broke off, unable to finish the sentence as she held her daughter tightly. Mom, Rory sobbed, clinging to her mother.

The older woman, presumably Rory’s grandmother, stood at the foot of the bed, her face a mask of shock and fury. Where is he? she demanded, of no one in particular. Where is that monster? I’ll kill him myself.

Dr. Chen stepped forward. Mrs. Carson, Mrs. Carson’s mother, I’m Dr. Chen. I’ve been caring for Rory since she arrived.

Perhaps we could speak privately about her condition? Rory’s mother pulled back slightly, her face pale. Condition? What’s wrong with my daughter? Dr. Chen glanced at Rory, then back to her mother. Mrs. Carson, I’m afraid Rory is pregnant? The words landed like a bomb in the small room.

Rory’s mother swayed on her feet, her face draining of what little color remained. The grandmother rushed forward to support her, helping her into a chair where she sat heavily, her hands trembling as she covered her mouth. No, she whispered.

No, that can’t be. She’s just a child. I’m so sorry, Mom, Rory said, her voice breaking.

I tried to stop him, but— This is not your fault, her mother interrupted fiercely, reaching for her hand. None of this is your fault. Do you understand me? It’s Greg.

That—that— Words failed her as she dissolved into tears, her body shaking with sobs. The grandmother turned to Dr. Chen, her expression hard. What are the options here? She’s fourteen years old.

She cannot have a baby. Dr. Chen nodded solemnly. I was about to discuss this with you.

There are health risks associated with pregnancy at Rory’s age. Additionally, given the circumstances, there are options available for termination if that’s what Rory and you decide is best. Illinois has some of the most progressive abortion laws in the country, Ms. Rivera added gently…