An 8-year-old youngster wore his winter hat for 40 days in the summer heat without taking it off, and the school nurse was horrified when she eventually removed it. The weather abruptly changed, and the temperature climbed to thirty degrees. Children were rushing around the schoolyard dressed in t-shirts and shorts. Sofia, the school nurse, was standing in the corridor performing a normal examination. That day, one pupil quickly piqued her interest.
He wore heavy dark slacks, a thick jacket, and a knitted winter hat. The same one he’d been wearing all winter. The same style, with the same fuzz on the threads. The cap was lowered all the way to his brows. Sofia frowned. “Hello, dear,” she replied quietly, as he entered the room. “It is hot…” Maybe you want to remove your hat?” The boy recoiled. He grabbed the hat hard with both hands, as if terrified it would be taken away from him.
“No, thank you,” he muttered. “I… I need to wear it.” Sofia did not insist. She silently performed the examination but felt mounting uneasiness inside. The child was tight, flinching whenever the hat moved even a millimeter. As if something awful lurked beneath it. When the nurse finally removed the helmet, she was absolutely shocked by what she saw. Later, over lunch, she approached his class teacher.
“I’m worried, too. He has worn that hat every day since spring break. Not before that. He had a meltdown in gym class when the coach told him to take it off. We chose not to press it.” Sofia nodded. She could not get it out of her mind. In the evening, she dialed the number on the medical records. “Good evening.” “This is your son’s school nurse.” “He’s not sick,” a man’s voice said. “We’re not the type to run to the doctor for nonsense.”
“I observed he is still wearing his winter hat, despite the heat. Perhaps his scalp is more sensitive than usual? “Or another condition?” There was a prolonged pause. Then: “This is a family decision. This is none of your concern. “He knows he has to wear it. “I also noticed a stain on the hat. It looks like blood. Were there any injuries? “Minor scrapes. We manage ourselves. Without your help. “Do not call again.”
A week later, the class instructor raced into the nurse’s office, her expression filled with worry. “He has terrible headaches,” she muttered. “He holds his head, staggers, and barely speaks.” The child reclined on the examining couch, eyes downcast and palms pressed to his head. “Dear, listen to me,” Sofia said as she kneeled in front of him. “I need to look.” We’ll close the door so no one sees.”
He didn’t respond. He simply trembled. Then whispered:”Dad forbid me from taking it off. He’ll get irritated. My brother warned me that if anyone found out, they would take me away. It will be because of me. Sofia exhaled deeply and donned gloves. “You are not to blame. Let me assist you, please.” He closed his eyes and nodded quietly. The youngster shrieked as she gently put on his hat.
“It is stuck…” “It hurts…” Solution, bandages, and antiseptic. Sofia worked slowly and carefully. The cap loosened with effort, as if it were attached to his skull.When she eventually removed it, both women froze. There was no hair under the hat. Only burns. Dozens. Deep, round, and gushing. Some are fresh, while others are cured. Torn, matted, and irritated skin.
“My God…” They both exhaled, covering their mouths with their hands. The boy sat silently, eyes closed. “Dad said I behaved badly,” he muttered. “My brother purchased the hat so no one would notice…” “He said it would pass.” The cops apprehended the father the same evening. Doctors checked the youngster at the hospital. He was placed in a safe location.