Page 90 of Rather: The Therapist

However, I was lost for words. Kleigh, Killian, Kofi, our father, and our mother all joined in conversation stemming from the shock. Rather, on the other hand, pretended as if Princeton’s verbalization was a normal part of his day. It wasn’t. He hadn’t spoken a single word since he’d been born.

“Woody? Oh yes. Now, I remember. He’s the little guy in Toy Story, right?”

Princeton nodded.

“Yes. Yes. I’ve watched it a few times. Is that your favorite movie?”

Another nod led her to ask a more complex question that would likely get another response from Princeton. The fact she was able to hold his attention for as long as she had was baffling. Yet, I kept my eyes on them both, admiring every movement they made.

“Who’s your favorite character?”

“Woody.”

The same word surfaced again.

“What’s his friend’s name? I can’t remember. The one that wears the helmet. Gosh, I can’t remember,” she lied, trying to coax another word from Princeton.

He didn’t give in as easily. Instead, he shook his head from side to side. Toy Story was no longer on his radar.

The necklace around Rather’s neck was. He laid his head against her chest and tucked his feet beneath him. With the tips of his fingers, he began drawing circles on the dainty chain. Afraid he would become too much for Rather too soon, I beckoned for his attention.

“Princeton,” I called.

His head never lifted. His body never rose. He remained pressed against Rather. She met my gaze, looking me square in the eyes as she shook her head, advising me not to uproot my son.

He’s comfortable, she signed.

He’s safe. She followed up with.

He is only nonverbal for now. Princeton has chosen not to speak and until he’s ready he won’t. But, he is capable of expressing himself. The word he just spoke might be the only one he speaks for a while, but have patience. One day, he’ll have a full vocabulary. It won’t make sense when he begins his journey, but eventually it all will. How old is he?

Five, I responded with my hand.

Time. He just needs time. There’s likely a lot going on in that little head of his. He just needs time. But, remember, even slow progress is still progress. She told me.

Progress in itself is all I need. It doesn’t matter the pace.

Then, he’s on the right track.

Thank you.

So fucking impressive. She could have two-hundred-twenty-two-thousand dollars if she wanted it. All she had to do was say the word. What she’d just done for me, I could never repay her for. What she’d just given us, we could never thank her enough for.

Kofi had to get it right with this one, because she would be his to have in the end. Our time wouldn’t last. But, when it was over, she deserved to be treated well. Very well.

You’re welcome. She signed.

“How do I get my grandson on your schedule, Rather?”

My father wasted no time creating a plan for Princeton.

“Unfortunately, I’m not practicing right now, so my time is plentiful.”

“That’ll all work itself out. I’m sure your brother is working hard to make that possible for you. In the meantime, your new patient is sitting right next to you.”

It wasn’t a good idea to be around Rather alone, even in Princeton’s presence. He napped more often than not. We’d have too much time on our hands and the lines she was trying not to blur, I’d scribble all over.

“How does Thursdays sound?”

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