Adam's Sake (2025)

[bunniefuu]

As we explained,

we're worried about Adam.

Without you, he refuses to eat.

We've put the tube back,

but it can't compensate

and he tolerates it less.

At the doctors' request, for his good,

the court will allow you to come

twice a day

to feed him.

You're confined to meal times

until the next assessment

in ten days.

Any questions?

How long can I stay exactly?

Today, you have 30 minutes left.

Meal times are 11 to 12,

5:30 to 6:30.

Can I stay between those times?

No, you can't stay

in the paediatric unit.

He gets upset alone here.

I hear he has nightmares.

We know it's hard for you both,

but we need to take it step by step.

Understand, Adam?

Mummy's here to feed you

and if it goes well

the court may let Mummy stay with you.

I need to remove the tube.

I was going anyway.

Can Mummy stay with me to sleep?

She's here for meals.

We'll see about sleeping later.

It depends on you too,

if you eat well.

See you next week.

You can stay with him,

but I need to lie him down.

Remember, it doesn't hurt, Adam.

He has to keep still,

with his head straight.

Great.

That's it.

Remember how we did it last time?

Breathe in and out, I count to three...

When I breathe out,

I remove the tube.

Let's do it together.

Try to relax.

It's unpleasant, but it doesn't hurt.

One, two, three...

Keep on breathing out.

That's good.

- Lovely.

- It's over.

- Bravo, Adam.

- It's over, sweet pea.

ADAM'S SAKE

Hello, sir.

Come on.

Why won't you let my colleague

examine your son?

I want a doctor to do it,

not a student.

You can't pick and choose.

You accept the carer assigned to you,

period.

- Do only women work here?

- Stop, Dad.

Is that a problem, sir?

I can choose who examines him.

Of course.

You can go to a private hospital too.

I can't afford that.

Ok, so either you let my colleague

examine him

or you go elsewhere.

I'll examine you.

Can you sit up?

I'll just lift your top.

Deep breaths.

Maybe this one...

This one.

Or this one.

Or this one.

It's too big.

But this is the biggest.

It's the size of your big toe.

You're right.

Are Adam and his mother unsupervised?

If we keep watching her,

she'll never trust us.

Ever seen her ready to cooperate?

She rejects every suitable diet

for her son.

She seemed receptive

with the probation officer.

She accepts malnutrition

led to his fracture?

It's hard for a mother to realise

she's endangering her son.

Especially when she's sure she's right.

The kid needs to put on weight fast

and recover unharmed.

Have we had Lucas's scan results?

No, not yet.

Without his mother,

he lets himself starve.

We need her here.

She convinced him to eat

only what she gives him.

If she sees we're not against her,

maybe...

she can change.

I'd love that, but...

I fear she can't see for now

what's right for her son.

Lucy, I'll do Soleiman's aerosol.

I'll take Adam his meal tray.

That's not your job.

Let me try.

Protect yourself, Lucy.

I don't want to hurt.

It won't hurt. It's only good stuff

to strengthen your bones.

Can I count on you?

Start feeding him, I'll be back.

I'm sorry.

How about a cuddle?

There, like that.

I don't want to hurt.

Ok, sweetheart?

How was your presentation?

Is Nanou there?

She can help herself from the fridge.

Bring them up.

I'm too busy to come down.

I'll call you later.

This is for 412.

We have a placement order coming.

Four siblings.

This is good for you.

She wants me to eat that.

Who?

The lady.

We don't eat that. Wait here.

No, wait here for me.

I'll be right back, promise.

Alright?

Come on.

Careful, don't aim at my head.

Look, I have something for you.

For you too.

Gently now, don't fight.

Mind your brother.

If you fight, I'll take them back.

Come on, calm down.

He took all of them!

I'll start.

There, it's over, Jrmie.

Are you ok?

I'll be back with your results.

She's here.

Did it go ok?

We'll finish later.

You haven't eaten.

The cutlery's clean.

- You didn't eat your meal?

- He did.

I didn't ask you.

Adam, can you answer me?

What did you eat?

I don't remember.

You didn't feed him.

The cutlery's clean.

Has he eaten?

You can't do that.

- What's in the bag?

- Nothing.

You fed him something else?

Isa, can you do another meal tray

for 423, for Adam?

Don't be scared.

Why are you doing this?

You won't believe his stomach hurts.

Stop telling him our food is bad

and it won't.

What you give him

isn't enough for a 4-year-old.

He has deficiencies,

delayed growth...

If you won't help us,

we'll use the tube again.

And you'll lose visiting rights.

It hurts him.

That's why we asked the court

to let you come twice a day to feed him.

Eat to get better.

You could break another bone.

Thanks, Isa.

Please, don't use the tube again.

We don't want to.

Could you just call

the probation officer, please?

I want to spend one night here,

just one night with him.

My superior has to agree to call.

So ask him.

It's alright, sweet pea.

- It's ok.

- I'll get a towel.

It'll be ok.

I'll change you.

Change him, I'll unhook the IV.

I want you to take me with you.

I have to stay tonight.

I can't leave him.

I can't decide.

Ask the probation officer.

Call her then.

- We'll call her Monday...

- It can't wait, he's not well.

- I can't...

- It's urgent.

I told you

I need my superior's agreement.

Careful, I'm moving the line

behind your back.

When will you come back?

I shouldn't have lied to you.

Please...

I'll ask my superior,

but I'll make no promises.

Thank you.

Do you need anything?

No, I'm alright.

It's alright, Adam, don't worry.

I think it's time to change her.

- Is she ok?

- Don't worry, sir.

You can talk to her.

It's paediatrics. Can we send you

a patient for a brain scan?

Fairly urgent.

Excuse me.

They're expecting you for the scan.

You can come with us, sir.

Can I leave you to it?

Did you spot

any other signs of violence?

Bruised left cheek on the eldest,

nothing on the others.

The father's in police custody

and the mother's in hospital.

Not the first time

and it's more frequent.

Try to see where we can put them.

I'll talk to the little ones.

Nam?

Go ahead.

Can you ask the probation officer

if the mother can stay tonight?

What do you want me to say?

He demands his mother every night

and it'd help us if she could stay.

And I refuse to sedate him again

to make him sleep.

- I'll call her.

- Thanks.

Did Adam eat with his mother?

They need time, but it'll be ok.

Hello.

My name's Lucy.

You'll see me a lot

as I work here in this hospital.

And...

Don't worry, your little sisters

will be in a room nearby.

Will you let me look at your cheek?

Does it hurt?

- This was noted?

- Yes.

If ever it hurts,

or if your head aches or twinges,

let me know

and I'll give you something.

Where's my mum?

Your mum's in the intensive care unit.

We'll have news soon.

A great team is looking after her.

She needs to rest.

We'll have news very soon.

And my dad?

About your dad...

Lise, I think you know more than I do.

He's still with the police.

Once I hear more, I'll let you know.

Why is Adam's mother still here?

I gave her permission to stay

as they need a bit more time.

Why do that without our agreement?

What's best for him?

Eating or respecting visiting hours?

She should've left 40 minutes ago.

We need the mother's trust

for the kid to pull through.

- I know what I'm doing.

- No exceptions.

Report her for not leaving.

A report ends her visiting rights,

and the child will refuse to eat again.

Ok, no report, but she can't stay here.

You know how it could turn out.

Madam, no...

I said you could change him,

not wash him.

- He needed it.

- Do as we say.

Look, his cast is all wet.

Bring him out now.

I'm letting you stay as an exception,

so cooperate or it won't work.

- I'll put this here.

- Thank you.

Madam...

Adam, we stop now.

If the probation officer finds out,

you won't be able to stay.

That's for sure.

Stop now, I said.

That's enough.

When I come back,

I want his plate empty. Final warning.

Can I stay tonight?

I'll go and ask.

Can I sleep with Mummy?

I don't know yet. Use this.

Stop it.

Will I sleep with you?

Yes.

Your arm.

- The children's hospital was full?

- They sent them here.

They need to know

we're snowed under too.

We can't put them together yet.

The twins can take 402

and the older girl 407.

- Three in a room....

- That or the corridor.

I called the probation officer.

She'll keep us posted.

I'll send the mother to the cafeteria.

She's still in the unit?

Call security. Force her to leave

or she won't change.

An isolated, fragile mother...

If we don't help her, who will?

It's a job for a social worker

or a psychologist.

I can't help him

by side-lining the mother.

We won't have the time or the means.

That's not her fault.

I'm sending her out.

Go easy on the child,

it's already hard for him.

We're not calling security.

But she must leave the unit.

Let him go.

Jrmie's test results.

- You ok?

- Fine.

Don't worry.

When are you off?

In three days.

And you?

Two nights, then I switch to days.

Go. I'll finish here.

Thanks.

Take care.

I'll remove the IV.

The inflammation has cleared.

Why don't you translate for your mum?

Junior needs the toilet.

Press here.

I don't think you're in pain now.

Am I wrong?

Why do you want to stay here?

Other children are waiting

and you can't stay here

as if it were a hotel.

Do you understand?

Alright then.

I can't sleep at night at home.

Why can't you sleep?

What I can do

is ask the social worker

to come and talk to you and your mum

to see what headway she's making

to find other accommodation.

I presume you're on a waiting list.

Alright?

Will you explain to her

everything I just said?

I'll prepare your discharge.

Everything's fine.

What's security doing in the unit?

- Come out.

- Hold on. Rebecca...

It's Lucy. Can you open up?

No.

- Rebecca!

- I trusted you.

Why did you call security?

I warned her. Break it down.

No, hold on a second.

Rebecca?

- She's endangering the child.

- She's panicking.

- Not our problem.

- It is actually.

What happened?

She should've gone an hour ago.

We said no security.

Give me five minutes,

I'll try to get her to come out.

- Alright.

- It'll be less traumatic for Adam.

Five minutes.

Can you put Lena's mother

in the doctors' office?

Lucy and I will bring the baby out.

Lucy, five minutes, no more.

Marie, can you help me?

Rebecca...

I'm alone, open the door.

We're doing all we can

to let you stay the night with Adam.

The probation officer

has promised to call the court.

To ask if you can stay with him tonight.

Until they reply,

you can't stay in the unit, Rebecca.

Don't ruin everything now.

I don't believe you anymore.

If you don't come out,

it'll be hard for me to defend you

and to support you staying with him.

Is Adam alright?

Know what it is

to raise a child alone?

Yes, I've raised my daughter alone.

I know how much Adam needs you.

If I lose him, I have nothing.

You won't lose him, Rebecca.

You won't lose him, trust me.

Come out now.

Come with me.

Come on.

It'll be ok, come on.

Rebecca...

You have to leave now.

Adam...

Let me see your hand.

I'll change your dressing.

Come with me.

You have to go now.

Come on, Adam.

- It's alright, Adam.

- Don't worry.

I'm going to look after you, alright?

Let go of Mummy now.

Let go, Rebecca.

I'll look after him.

Adam, listen to me.

It's alright, ok?

Rebecca, please...

Follow me.

Will you tell the officer

I locked us in?

Follow me now.

He'll walk you to the lifts.

I'll look after Adam.

Could I lose my visiting rights?

We'll see later.

The policemen scare me.

They've gone now.

It's ok, Adam, it's over.

Come with me.

Come with me, Adam.

Let's put you on the bed.

Do it with me. Thanks.

That's good.

Go on.

I'll be back soon, ok?

I promise.

Yes?

- Will you still be here?

- Yes.

It'll be ok.

- Let me know when you have news.

- I promise.

Look at this.

Look what I've got.

Which do you want?

You usually choose this one.

Shall we try and eat?

Adam, I'd like you to eat.

Just a little bite.

You don't want to?

We'll try again later.

It's normal you're upset.

I get it.

Right now,

your mum and I don't agree.

You see, sometimes,

adults can't get along.

Would you like to watch some TV?

This?

I'll be right back.

The technician in charge of badges

is on leave.

- And his replacement?

- They can't authorise badges.

What's up? Can I help?

We had to alert their mother.

She had a curettage two hours ago.

Can you up her pain-relief?

If our mother hears she had an ab*rtion,

she'll throw her out.

Can we block a parent from the unit?

No, not usually.

We'll say Mina was admitted

with appendicitis.

Thanks, you can go.

I'll manage.

You can go.

Adam?

Did you see little Adam leave?

Have you seen a mother and son leave?

No, not at all.

Call for back-up to start a search.

- Should I call the police?

- Not yet.

Stop!

Stop right there!

Stop!

Stop!

Come back!

Don't move!

Try not to move.

Yes, I need urgent back-up.

A mother and her son have fallen

down the stairs.

Behind the hospital.

Carpark C.

I'm sorry...

This is the children's emergency unit.

You'll see...

A very nice team will look after you.

They'll check nothing's broken.

I'll talk to the nurse.

I'll be right back.

Caroline?

I'm here with Adam.

I'm waiting on radiology.

His dad's on his way.

Where can he go?

Over here. The booths are all full.

We'll set you up here.

Thanks. I'll stay with him.

Hi, Adam.

These are electrode pads.

They don't hurt.

I'm Caroline.

Can I look in your eyes?

Very good.

I'll lift your t-shirt.

Your finger?

Does it hurt here?

Where's Mummy?

She's in a unit for grown-ups.

I'll see how she is

and let you know.

Ok? How old are you?

Stay with Caroline.

I'll meet you in radiology

with your dad, who's on his way.

See you soon.

- Tell me when his dad arrives.

- Yes.

Let the lady through.

Come on...

Can you let me out?

- Excuse me...

- Someone will see to you.

How's Adam?

She's a patient's mother.

I saw the accident.

How is he?

He needs an X-ray to ensure

his fracture hasn't moved.

- Is she ok?

- We need a CT scan.

I'm sorry...

I panicked...

I didn't mean to hurt him.

Is he on his own?

- Did you call the police?

- No.

Where is he?

I'll come and get him.

Adam's dad has just arrived.

- Did you call him?

- Hospital protocol.

Will I lose custody?

Whatever happens,

you can't be left alone.

I have no one but Adam.

I know, but you can't go on like this.

You need help.

I'll be back.

Could you keep our patient's mother in?

- Who?

- She's in booth 5.

We don't have the space.

She's too weak to leave.

I know when to discharge her.

Give me an hour.

She can't be left alone.

She's not allowed in our unit

outside visiting hours.

- One hour, no more.

- Thank you.

Adam's dad?

I'm the senior paediatric nurse.

This way, please.

Adam's having an X-ray.

We've met before.

I'm looking after your son.

How is he?

Just a second.

Have you found Adam a bed?

He's gone to radiology.

- Come with me.

- I can't stay.

His mother risks losing access.

Someone must stay with him.

What happened exactly?

They fell down the stairs

by accident.

Where's his mum?

In the emergency unit,

under observation.

This way.

- Well?

- No other broken bones.

You're ok, buddy.

Where's Mummy?

She's having a check-up,

to see if she's ok.

We're going to your room with Dad.

I don't have a dad.

I want Mummy.

She'll come later.

When later?

She'll come...

I can't answer that question.

I can't...

I need some air.

I'll catch up.

Sir...

Sir, please...

He doesn't want me, you heard.

He's disoriented after the accident.

Give him time.

Come with me.

Please.

It's my partner...

She's in the car with our baby.

Tell her to come in.

It might take a while.

- Madam, I can't...

- Wait.

I'm needed elsewhere.

I can't fit him into my life overnight.

I explained to the probation officer.

I work a 12-hour day.

I come home exhausted.

I can't do it.

I barely see my partner and child.

I understand, but Adam needs you.

Just stay with him a little while,

and then we'll see.

Alright?

Thank you.

Come in.

Adam?

Want to show your dad

your nice book?

Yes, Nam?

Yes, I'm with Adam.

Yes.

I'm on my way.

I have to go.

You can't stay?

No, but the paediatrician is coming.

I want Mummy.

Come.

Come here.

Let's try and eat a little.

With Daddy.

Come on.

Roll over.

Come on, Adam.

Remember what I told you?

You need food to get better.

Without it,

you'll break another bone while playing.

- It's dangerous.

- No, it's not.

Mummy agrees, don't worry.

Want to try some dessert?

Come on, let's try the dessert.

Step closer.

Take off your jacket.

Take it off.

Get comfortable.

Right, come on.

Try and eat a little, please.

Come on, face me.

Face me and sit up properly.

No, stay here, Adam.

What are you doing?

Get back into bed.

Let's get back into bed.

Please, Adam.

Come on now.

Stop.

You can't go.

You have your IV.

Stay here.

You can't leave your bed!

I want Mummy.

Come on.

Get back into bed.

Come on.

There.

Want to watch cartoons?

It's my partner calling.

Give it back, Adam.

Let go, please.

Use my staff phone to call her.

Bring it back to the nurses' desk

when you've finished.

Why didn't you report her escape?

There'll be consequences

if this child is without his mother.

Do you realise the risks?

You've gone too far.

I've told the probation officer.

She's on her way.

You can go home.

- If anything happens to her...

- You've done enough.

From now on, I'm in charge of the case.

You can go.

She decided to run off with her child,

not you.

Everything alright?

Yeah, I'm fine.

I'll be home soon.

Have you eaten?

That's kind of you.

A concert?

Who'll bring you home?

Right, ok.

She'll bring you home?

Ok.

Yes, we'll talk later.

I'll call you back.

The probation officer's here.

Thanks.

Have you been to see his mum?

Visiting rights are suspended

until the meeting in 10 days.

That won't help the mother or child.

It's procedure.

I'm worried the court

will deny parental authority.

She needs to be heard.

I'll see her at the next meeting

in 10 days.

Lucy, let me finish with the lady.

- Lucy...

- Not now.

Follow me, Rebecca.

- How's Adam?

- He's fine, no fractures.

The probation officer's here.

Come with me.

I'm taking her.

Visits are suspended

until your next meeting.

When's the meeting?

In 10 days.

You need to show her

you're ready to cooperate.

10 days is too long.

This way.

Come on.

Compose yourself.

Come on.

I don't want my son in care.

Nothing's decided yet.

Let's go.

Hold my hand.

Let's go.

Nearly there.

It'll be ok.

Try to stay calm.

Come on!

This way.

I'm handling it.

Let me talk.

Come with me.

Mummy...

Are you ok?

I'll give you a few minutes, ok?

Why were you on the unit

after visiting hours?

I let her stay

because Adam needed her.

Alright.

I'll note that.

I panicked, I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have run.

Don't take him from me.

We'll proceed

for the sake of your son.

My son's sake?

You've had several chances,

but you still reject

Adam's prescribed diet.

I'll adhere to it,

I'll do anything you ask.

Visits are suspended

until the court meeting.

So, what do we do?

Without his mum, he won't eat.

We feed him artificially again?

The procedure takes time.

That's irrelevant.

We handle him

when he won't eat or drink.

At night, when he calls for his mum.

Try forcing in his feeding tube,

and we'll see about procedure.

If I was certain

that he wasn't at risk,

I'd let you stay.

But how can we trust you now?

I don't want my son in care.

If you go on like this,

Adam will be marked for life.

That's not true!

You think it is, but no.

He was fine with me.

Since being here, he's unwell.

With a feeding tube...

I don't think so.

We must find a custodial solution

for the time being.

It won't be with you.

With who then?

I've struggled every day on my own.

Since he was born, without help.

Now his father shows up

out of nowhere...

and he's allowed to see him?

Do you think that's normal?

Sir...

Would you like to say something?

I never hear about him.

Social services told me

he was here.

Why do you care?

You never looked after him.

- You never wanted me to.

- He needs me.

Mummy...

Come on.

I'm sorry, but...

I've nothing against Adam,

and we'll try to help...

but I can't support my child alone.

I need my guy.

Visiting times will be arranged,

of course.

There's no need.

He wants me.

Ask him who he wants.

Adam, come on.

Tell them who you want.

Go on, tell them.

Adam, tell them!

Tell them you want me.

See, he wants me.

But I don't want to be dead.

The visits remain suspended.

The court and the lawyer

will decide what to do.

We'll give you a moment.

Adam?

Your mum needs to rest for a while.

Can you say goodbye?

Madam?

It's time to go now, madam.

Mummy, stay.

Mummy!

Shall I leave the light on?

There's a risk she'll lose custody.

A single mother.

From when?

Ok.

Thank you, goodbye.

Hello,

Isala Van Diest Paediatrics.

Do you have room

for a patient's mother?

A risk of losing custody.

No close relatives.

That's to be decided, yes.

Before 10 pm?

Thank you.

Adam's mother has finished

with the probation officer.

She's waiting for you to accompany her.

- Night, Monia.

- Night, Lucy.

Thank you.

Hold on, I'll let you out.

Tell Nam

I'll take the mother home.

Ok.

Adam needs clean clothes,

I'll have to bring them.

I'll take you home.

We'll pick up Adam's things.

I don't need you.

You need help, Rebecca.

I let you have my son.

Leave me alone.

You can't go home alone.

Let me drive you home.

I'll get Adam's things and leave.

Alright.

You missed the exit.

I'm sorry.

I can't take you home.

I'm taking you to a shelter.

For women in difficulty.

- Let me out.

- No.

Let me out.

Let me help you.

Stop the car.

- I can't leave you.

- Let me out.

You can't be alone!

- Don't do that!

- Let me out, I'll walk home.

No, stop.

- Stop.

- Lucy...

- Let me help you!

- Let me out.

Close the door.

I'm sorry for forcing you into this.

And I'm sorry...

for making promises I couldn't keep.

If you let me,

I'll wait for the bus with you.

I did all I could.

I know.

If I agree to go to the shelter,

how long will I stay?

It's your choice.

You can leave when you want.