Page 91 of Sypher

“You must understand, Mr. Franks, that while your daughter wasn’t sexually abused, she was emotionally and mentally neglected. For a child as young as Danika is, that is life-altering. Instead of being loved and cared for by loving parents, who should have shown her affection, happiness, boundaries, and tools she mentally needed to help her grow, she received nothing, hindering her mental growth. While children Danika’s age are generally talking, secure in playing by themselves and with others, have the basic knowledge of right and wrong, know that Mom and Dad are safe and strangers are bad, your daughter knows none of that. She missed all of her benchmark milestones. To make matters worse, from what you’ve told me, Danika received nothing but basic functional care and food. Tell me, Mr. Franks, how did Danika react when she was rescued?”

Dante reached for my hand as I spoke up, “We got to her at the same time. She was in the arms of one of the men who rescued her. She clung to him. She was shaking, but she was allowing him to hold her. Dante got to hold her first. She went right to him.”

Sighing, Dr. Melissa Jefferson leaned back in her chair. “My guess is, the man who rescued her was the first person who ever held her, and she was unsure how to act or respond. Who does she gravitate to the most?”

“Me,” I admitted as I held Danika in my arms. She hadn’t left my lap since we’d been here. Curled against my chest, she didn’t move. “She’s always by my side or in my arms. She allows Dante to hold her, but I have to be in the room.”

“That’s because you are the alpha in the relationship. She’s corelated that as long as you are around, she is safe. It’s called attachment theory. A typical childhood attachment is an emotional bond between mother and child, or in some cases fathers, which starts at birth and impacts the child’s behavior from cradle to grave.”

“Like when a newborn is born?” Dante added, sitting up. “I think I read about this in one of the books I bought. You’re talking about when a baby is born and doctors place the baby on the mother’s chest, skin to skin.”

“Yes.” Dr. Jefferson nodded. “The mom cradles her baby lovingly, giving the baby the first stimulation of safety and security. Danika never received that. She never felt safe and tends to be distant. Her guard is up all the time, which is preventing her from accepting the love and support she needs to thrive. Right now, she knows that Mr. Franks will protect her.”

“I’m her security blanket?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what you are, Mr. Franks, and until Danika realizes that she is safe with your partner as well, she will continue to cling to you. Danika needs to know that no matter what, both of you will be there for her.”

“How do we do that if she only wants Danny?” Dante asked.

“By doing what you are doing now. Availability is a big component for a child like Danika. She needs to know that no matter what, the both of you will be there. Also, routine is big in attachment therapy. A constant, familiar schedule or routine will give Danika the comfort and security she needs.”

“What about the other stuff like school and shit?” I asked.

Dr. Jefferson smiled. “Right now, Danika is nowhere near ready for all the other stuff. For all intents and purposes, she is a newborn. You two are starting from scratch with her. Your priority must be making Danika feel safe. She needs to accept and rely on the fact that neither one of you is going anywhere. What do you do for a living, Mr. Franks?”

“I’m a security consultant. I own my own company in a way.”

“How often do you travel for work?”

“Only when I need to. Generally, I can do what I need to do from home.”

Nodding, Dr. Jefferson made a few notes in her book. “That’s good. And what about you, Mr. Sharp?”

“I too own my own tech company, but I work out of the house.”

“And neither of you are from this area, correct?”

“No,” Dante spoke before I could. “We live in New York City, but we will do anything for Danika. That’s why we are here seeing you. When we started looking for the best child therapist, your name was highly recommended.”

“I’m good, but not the best. That would be Dr. Gideon Scott, who happens to live in New York City.”

“He was unavailable,” I stated flatly.

Dante quickly added, “Dr. Jefferson, we will do anything for our little girl. If that means moving to Oklahoma City, so she gets the services she needs, then we will do it.”

Closing her book, Dr. Jefferson stated, “I would like to see Danika every day. The faster we get her on a set schedule, the easier it will be for her to adjust. Right now, she needs to be your primary concern. Nothing else. I know that’s going to be hard, considering both of you run your own companies, but I can’t stress this enough. Danika’s mental well-being is fragile. She knows nothing of limits or boundaries. Right now, predictability will make the world less scary for her.”

“We understand. Anything she needs,” Dante assured.

Leaving the office, I carried Danika as we walked to the truck I bought. There was a lot of information to process, and with all the reading material Dr. Jefferson handed Dante, I knew he was itching to get started. I, however, just wanted to get Dani home. My baby girl was worn out and hungry. After securing her in her car seat, I climbed behind the wheel and started my truck.

“There are all kinds of things we can do, Danny.” Dante started talking the second I pulled out of the parking lot. “Melissa gave us a good list to start with, but I want to do some more digging. I think there are more programs and therapies that might help Danika.”

“Doctor said to take things day by day. Not over-stimulate her.”

“I know, but if we want Danika better, we need to get on this fast.”

“There is nothing wrong with Danika. All she needs is our love and attention. Everything will work itself out in time.”

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