The Diagnosis Celeste Needed
Chapter 04 - The Diagnosis Celeste Needed
Dr. Aaron Pike arrived at Ashford House at noon carrying a medical bag and completed forms.
He was Celeste’s chosen geriatric specialist.
Naomi asked when he last examined Ruth.
“Six weeks ago.”
Ruth looked at him.
“You came for twelve minutes.”
Pike adjusted his glasses.
“Cognitive assessments can be efficient.”
The forms declared Ruth unable to understand property decisions. They recommended immediate residential placement and appointment of Celeste as guardian.
The signature date was that morning.
Pike had not seen Ruth that day.
Michael placed the document beside the red ledger.
“You signed this before examining her.”
“Based on prior findings.”
Naomi introduced Dr. Priya Shah, an independent geriatric neurologist retained by the trust.
Pike objected.
Celeste objected louder.
Ruth did not.
“I want the doctor who does not need my house.”
Dr. Shah examined Ruth privately with the medical advocate present. The evaluation showed mild age-related memory changes but no dementia and no inability to understand finances.
Blood tests revealed a sedative in Ruth’s system.
It had not been prescribed by her regular physician.
Elena remembered Celeste preparing Ruth’s morning tea.
Celeste denied adding anything.
Dr. Pike claimed he had prescribed the medication for sleep.
The pharmacy record showed the prescription was filled under Ruth’s name but collected by Celeste.
Michael felt the room narrowing around him.
“How long?”
Dr. Shah reviewed the dosage history.
“At least four months.”
Four months of Ruth appearing sleepy, forgetting appointments, and losing balance.
Four months of Celeste explaining that age had arrived suddenly.
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The diagnosis was not being discovered.
It was being manufactured.
