The resemblence to the girl in The Ring was uncanny, with hair draped down before her face like a black curtain. My voice, shaky: “Hello there. I’m going to be your nurse while you’re here. Can you tell me your name?”

No response, dark hair hiding her from me. I was scared. I was scared to get too close. I walked out of the room.

I slid down the wall and sat in the floor of the hallway. This is ridiculous. The note said the family is involved in satanic rituals. I don’t believe in “satanic cult shit.” This child has been abused. Take a deep breath. Go back in.

“Hey, sweetie. My name is Nicole. Do you know where you are?”

No response.

“I’m going to move your hair away from your face so I can see you. I’m just going move your hair back, okay?”

I slowly moved my hand toward her face. Behind her stringy hair was swollen eyes that looked as though they had been crying for days. They seemed to want to cry some more, but there were no tears left.

“It’s okay honey. You’re safe now. It’s okay.”