The nurse shows the father a document.
"Your wife has faxed us a court order saying she has primary physical custody."
"True, but I have joint legal custody and I am exercising my right to refuse your services on behalf of my son," the father replies.
"That doesn't matter. The boy's mother wants him to stay. So we are not releasing him."
The father quickly realizes that getting angry with a nurse will accomplish nothing. He walks out.
Two days prior, the father began speaking with a new therapist for his son. The therapist had already agreed to meet with the boy in the hospital. He calls the therapist, who promises to meet with the boy and likewise meet with his doctor.
Three hours later, the therapist calls and says he had a very nice chat with the boy. He doesn't believe the boy is a threat to himself or others. The therapist is unable to talk to the doctor, but is told he would be in touch.
The therapist is also hopeful that the boy can be released soon. The father feels a glimmer of hope. Someone is in his corner and disagrees with his ex-wife's opinion.
When the father returns for visiting hours, there is hope in the boy's face — hope that his father has found a way to get him released.
"So you met with the therapist?" the father asks.
"I really like him."
"Did you talk to [your doctor]?"
"No one's talked to me yet," the boy says.
The father's eyes go wide.
"So you've been here another day without a doctor seeing you? In the four days you've been here, how much time have you spent talking to any doctor?"
"Less than 15 minutes total," the boy replies. "But [the doctor] is inside right now."
When the father hears that, he summons a nurse.
"I want to speak to [the doctor]."
"I'll let him know," the nurse responds.
"Am I getting out?" the boy asks his father.
