I Went to the Hospital to Care for My Son After He Broke His Leg – Then the Nurse Slipped Me a Note, ‘He’s Lying. Check the Camera at 3 a.m.’

They left.

My son lay alone in that hospital bed, carrying a lie too heavy for his small shoulders.

Beside me, the guard asked quietly, “Want me to save that?”

“Yes.”

The charge nurse was waiting near the elevators.

“You saw?” she asked.

I nodded.

By morning, a social worker had reviewed the footage.

Official note: inconsistent statement. Admission of absence. Coaching a minor to lie.

When I walked back into the room at 8 a.m., Jasper was in his chair.

“You get some sleep?” he asked casually.

“I know what happened,” I said.

Howard’s eyes went wide.

“It’s okay,” I told him quickly, taking his hand. “You don’t have to explain anything.”

Then to Jasper: “Step outside.”

In the hallway, he tried denial first.