Page 99 of Rather: The Therapist

“It’s all good. I’ll catch you another day this week.”

“Okay.”

“Alright.”

Neither of us ended the call. Instead, we waited on the line for the other to disconnect it. After a few seconds, laughter from both of our ends ensued.

“You–” I pushed.

“No, you!” Kofi chuckled.

His laugh was heart-stopping. With a shake of the head, I combed my hand down my face.

“Hang up.”

“Nah, you hang up,” he toyed.

“Ugh. Fine.”

It was me who finally ended the call. Just as I made it to the door, a text stopped me in my tracks, again. It was from Kofi.

I like you.

His words brought a smile to my face. I could feel my cheeks flush another shade of brown.

Good, because I don’t think you have much of a choice.

I opened the front door to find Princeton and Kalvin headed up the walkway. Tiny arms wrapped around my legs the second they crossed the threshold. Taken aback by his display of affection, I lowered until we were eye level.

“Hello, Princeton,” I greeted him with words while using ASL simultaneously.

Though he didn’t respond, the smile he gave me sufficed.

“Well, that’s new,” Kalvin claimed, “Should I stay?”

“If you think it will make him more comfortable. The plan for today is simple.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“Start Toy Story.”

Princeton’s eyes brightened at the sound of his favorite movie. That was the reaction I was anticipating. Building trust was the most crucial portion of foundation when it came to pediatric therapy. A child needed to understand and be fully aware of their ability and privilege to trust you before you could move forward.

So, we were going to begin building our foundation with a movie he was familiar with. Together, on the same sofa, we’d have ourselves a blast watching Woody and friends come to life.

“Then, I’ll leave you two. Kleigh will be here in about an hour, she says. I’ll be sure to grab him before she comes or else he won’t go with me.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“See you in a minute, son. Rather is going to take good care of you, alright?”

Princeton hid his face in my dress instead of responding. Kalvin gave him a good pat on the head before heading back to the vehicle his driver was standing beside.

“Okay, buddy. It’s just you and me. Let’s get settled in.”

We walked in the theater room where I watched Princeton’s eyes sparkle with joy. Where he stood, near the door, he bounced up and down with excitement. I’d managed to transform my theater room into a Toy Story monument in an hour’s time.

The large order I’d placed Sunday night had a fairly swift delivery. Everything I needed was waiting in the mailroom by Monday. Just before showering and getting dressed, I opened them one by one and made the best of the contents in the package.

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