Yesterday, during my usual work in the consulting room, I had an exciting encounter with one of my many wonderful clients.  My patient, a 3-year-old girl, walked into my consulting room with her mother. She sat in the chair to my right, where a patient is rightfully supposed to sit in the consulting room. The mother sat on another chair behind her. I greeted her and asked how she was. Uncharacteristic of her, she was quiet, moody and did not make eye contact. I used all my skills to draw her into the conversation. I have a lot under my sleeve as a paediatrician, humbly, of many years of experience, but she would not engage. Our usual vibe was not there this time. I grew worried because it meant our interaction might not go the way I had hoped.