"Lonely," she repeats. That can be useful if they need to discuss this with the boy. "But you're not a social worker, dear. Open up."

She pulls out a glass thermometer. The middle is filled with something dark blue, clearly not mercury. There's a slightly bitter scent in the air as she carefully wipes down the end. The swab never touches her own fingertips.

"Keep this in your mouth for three minutes."