Chapter 1.
Anna tossed and turned in her bed. Her beautiful, round eyes seemed to blink a little bit, as she turned over on her side. She thought she could sleep easiest if she slept on her side. From far away, the English Cream, Katie, shuffled into her room. Anna sat up, looking down at her dog, Katie. In a broken tonality, and cadence that sounded underdeveloped, that sounded broken, incomplete, and incompatible, she said, "hi katie", pronouncing each syllable with guand. Katie, knowing Anna had a severe disability, came up onto Anna's bed, sitting on top of her. "Move". Anna said, trying to push Katie from her bed.
"Katie, get down". She said, pushing the dog. Katie eventually moved, getting down when Anna said. Anna's room was pretty big. Well, it was normal sized for a room. The wall was pink, as a white crucifix sat above Anna's bed. The little model Russian St. Basil's sat above on her shelf next to the St. Mary's statue her late grandmother gave her. A white teddy bear, from when she was 5, sat on her bed. Anna looked around, seeing Katie had gone. She then laid back down, pulling the covers over her head.
Anna looked like a little girl, even as she was 18. She had pale skin, short brown hair, and round eyes that looked like a "coda coda" when she looked down, or off to the side. She had on a nightgown that belonged to her late grandmother. Anna was born on May 20th, 1998 in Russia. Her birth mother died a month after having her, in a horrific car accident. Afterward, Anna was put in a Russian orphanage near the outskirts of Moscow. The orphanage seemed dated, and seemed like an institution ward of the 1930's.
Anna was put in a wooden crib, and a bottle was propped upright in her crib to feed her. Different staff often came in to bathe Anna, and she was put in dirty bathwater sometimes. The different workers rarely paid any attention to Anna, and would leave her in her crib without stimulation, nurturing, or touching. Anna was adopted by her current parents, John and Patty in 1999. When they brought Anna home, she could barely lift her head, respond to her name, or swallow, and take in food. A therapist was brought into the home to teach Anna how to swallow, sit up, lift her head, and respond to her name. Anna was improving somewhat, but very slowly.
Anna eventually learned how to swallow at age 1, and be potty trained by the time she was three. When testing was done when she was 5, her speech was poor, identification of objects was low, and retention of knowledge was low as well. Memory, and executive functioning was at 60. Her problem solving ability was at 60, and her spatial reasoning, and comprehension was at 60 as well. She did learn to talk, although she only knew simple words, and could only express how she was feeling emotionally. There was no communication barrier, she just didn't know anything, and she was "new" to the world.
Anna also had minor behavior issues aligned with low IQ, and sometimes threw tantrums. By the time Anna was 18, she was in special ed classes where executive functioning was taught, and she received life skills services. Anna often knew she had someone out there that cared for her, and someone that could've given her a normal life, someone. Today, Anna sat up, rocking back and forth to self stimulate. She looked down at the necklace her birth mom gave her. "Mom", she said, feeling it in her hands. She sat on her floor, wrapping a blanket around her, as Katie came back in. "dog". She said, petting Katie's thick fur. Katie eventually laid on the floor beside Anna, providing some weight for her. Anna petted Katie, feeling calmed by her presence, as she panted a little bit. Katie was an old dog that had been there since Anna was born. Now that Katie was getting older, it was harder for her to move around as much. Anna sat looking at the angel book her late grandmother got her. "Angels move the stars, and keep watch over us no matter how old we become". Anna understood the concept of her grandmother dying. She was in heaven now, which meant she was an angel looking down on Anna. "grandma". She said in a broken cadence, and syntax, which meant she was underdeveloped. "Grandma" she said again. Her grandmother truly was special. As a young girl, Grandma often understood her, yes, but she didn't feel bad for her, much like her parents did. Grandma knew she was capable of so much more. Grandma was sweet, and nurturing, although she taught her how to play with toys, how to dress, and how to brush her hair, and teeth. Anna missed her grandma. Ok, this was an understatement. Anna felt disconnected without her grandma.
"Grandma". Anna said again, looking through her angel book. There were some angels on one page, and Jesus on another. "Jesus". Anna pronounced. She then bowed her head and began praying. "Grandma". She said again. "Grandma, stay safe". She then felt the connection between her and god come to light, as she prayed. Hearing a noise, hearing a faint noise, she looked up from her prayer. Nothing. She bowed her head again, only to hear the noise calling her name. Looking up, she heard who it was. It was her mom.
"Anna". Mom said, gently coming into her room. Anna looked up at her mom as she did so. "It's time to come downstairs, Dr. Edd is here". "Ok". Anna said, getting Katie off of her lap. "I need to get dressed". "Oh, well, why don't you wear your pajamas today?". "I don't think you need to get dressed". "Ok". Anna said, coming down the stairs with her mom. Going into the living room, she saw Edd, with a silky buttoned down shirt, and a black beanie on, smiling a wide smile with a gap within his teeth.
"Hello Anna". Edd said gently. "How are you today?". "I'm sure you're doing well". "Edd". Anna pointed. "That's right". Edd said, smiling. Anna came over, laying her head against his silk shirt. "Shirt". Anna said. "Right again". Edd chuckled. "So, mom tells me you were praying". Edd said. "Do you enjoy doing that?". "Yes". Anna said. "I prayed to Jesus". "I told him to keep my grandma safe". "That's wonderful you pray, and go to church". "I wish I did that". Edd smiled. "Do you often pray to keep your family safe?". "Yes". Anna said. "That's wonderful". Edd said. "I understand it's been hard now that grandma passed on". "She was an integral part of your life". "Yeah". Anna said. "She used to have apples in her backard". "Backyard". Edd said, as he helped her pronounce the word. "Backyard". Anna said. "And we picked apples in the backyard". "I'm sure that was nice". Edd said. "That was special bonding you used to do with grandma". "Grandma made Apple pie". "That sounds delicious". Edd said. "I could eat some Apple Pie right now".
"Do you like eating mom and dad's food?". Edd asked. "I like chicken nuggets". Anna said. "Mm, do they make you chicken nuggets?". Edd asked. "Yeah". Anna said. "That's good". Edd chuckled. Small talk was normal for their daily routine. Edd was Anna's developmental therapist, and counselor. Of course Ana already worked with therapists to learn how to swallow and whatnot, Edd worked with Anna on familiarizing with love, affection, attachment, emotional changes and tremors, and her adoption, and the deprivation that came with it. Ms. Bellum was the regional director of the program, "Essence", but of course, she wasn't perfect. She often vaped, and went out at nights drinking, and doing sinful things.
Edd wasn't above teaching Anna minor skills such as swallowing, and sitting up. "Today, let's work on trust". Edd said, gently. "You trust your parents for things like keeping you safe, and healthy". "But, sometimes, we have to trust our parents for other things such as holding a relationship with us, and giving us what we need to thrive". "Do you trust mom and dad?". Edd asked. "Yeah". Anna said. "What do you trust them to do?". Edd asked. "I...I...I trust my mom with feeding me". Anna said. "What other things do you trust them with?". Edd asked. "Um...um...um…", Anna thought, but couldn't come up with anything. "You trust them to keep you safe, to help you when you need it". "But, and we rarely think about this, but, we trust mom and dad to hold us when we're scared, we trust them to rub our back when we feel sad, tickle our cheek when we feel happy, and kiss us before bed". Edd said. "Did mom and dad used to kiss you when you were little?". "Yeah". "Mom would give me goodnight kiss when I went to bed". Anna went through every syllable, every nuance in her sentence as she pronounced her words.
"That's good". "And you knew mom and dad would kiss you every night". "Yeah". "Mom and dad". Anna said. "That's called consistency". Edd said. "I know you trust mom and dad to give you a hug". Edd said. "I do". Anna said, looking up at Edd with her innocent eyes. "When you were little you didn't used to". Edd said. "I didn't trust mom and dad?". Anna asked. "You didn't". "When you were little, you never let anyone touch you". Edd said. "You used to cry, and get upset". "I used to be sad?". Ana asked. "Sometimes, when your mom and dad used to hold you". Edd said. "Why?". Anna asked. "That's because when you were little and you were in Russia, you were never held, or comforted".
"You were deprived". Edd said. "There was no one to help you". "Oh, ok". Anna said. "But after you came over, and you worked with Ms. Candy, and she taught you how to accept hugs, and kisses". Edd said. "Oh". "I trust my mom and dad now". Anna said. "You do, and they are always here to help you". "I know you trust them, but, do you trust me?". Edd asked. "Yeah". Anna said. "Well, let's see". Edd said. "Let's close our eyes, and then I'll just rub your hands with my thumbs". "We'll see if you can tolerate your hands being touched". "Yeah". Anna said, closing her eyes. She felt the rub as Edd's thumbs came against her skin, touching her, brushing against her. "Edd". Anna said, successfully identifying the person rubbing her hands. "Very good". Edd said. "I trust you, Edd". Anna said. "Very good". Edd smiled. "I'm glad you do".
"Sometimes it's hard to trust others when we haven't met them, or we haven't had the love, and care we need". "I'm thrilled to hear you trust me". Edd said. "Do you trust me to help you?". Edd asked. "Yeah". Anna said. "That's good". Edd said. "I will help you become the best version of yourself". "I trust Edd". Anna pronounced. "Edd". "that's right". Edd smiled. "That's because I'm there for you". Edd said. "Will you tell me how you're feeling today?". Edd asked. "I feel happy". Anna pronounced. "That's good you feel happy". Edd said. "Why are you happy?". "Because I was with my dog". Anna said. "That's good". Edd said. "How do your parents make you feel?". "They make me feel happy". Anna said. "They take care of me". "That's lovely". Edd said. "They did take care of you after you came home to us". "It's lovely you trust me enough to tell me your feelings". "I know". Anna said. "I trust you, Edd". "It feels good knowing you do". Edd smiled. "Sometimes when bad things happen to us, we can become disembellished, but when you trust someone, you know they will help you with whatever you're feeling". "I know you're feeling happy, and I will help to keep it that way if you trust me". Edd said. "Yeah". Anna said. "I trust Edd". "I love that". Edd said.
He then took Anna's hands in his, rubbing them, as Anna gazed, unable to keep attention. "Anna", Edd said gently, as Anna redirected her focus. Anna began noising as Edd worked up her arm. "Shhh". "Shhh". Edd whispered, stroking Anna's face. Anna continued noising, as Edd caressed Anna's face with his backhand. Anna noised again. "Shhh, let's be calm". Edd said gently. "Edd". "edd". "Edd". Anna giggled excitedly. "Shhh". "Shh". edd whispered, as he gently touched Anna's face. "I know it's exciting, isn't it?". Edd said, then blowing in Anna's face. Anna still giggled, smiling. "I know sweetie, I know". Edd smiled. Anna sat breathing slowly, finally feeling relaxed, and used to the touching as it was no longer stimulating for her. "More". Anna said. "I want more". "You want more?". Edd took Anna's hands in his. "Yes". Anna said. Edd then blew in Anna's face again, as she giggled. "I know, it's fun". "I'm very glad you trust me enough to do it". Edd said. "Yeah". Anna said. "Do you trust mom and dad enough to tell them how you're feeling?". Edd asked. "Yeah". Anna said.
"That's good". Edd said. "And you trust them enough to be honest with them, I hope". "I tell my parents the truth". Anna said. "That's good". Edd said. "That's lovely you can be honest with me". "Usually, when you trust someone, you can be honest with them". Edd said. "It's lovely you can be honest with me". "You're my friend". Anna said. "Oh, sweetheart, and you're my friend as well". Edd smiled. "Now, how do you feel about your family?". "Do you miss Grandma?". Anna thought for a minute before answering Edd's question. This was Edd asking her a personal question about her grandparents. Of course she trusted Edd enough to answer. "I miss grandma". Anna said. "I feel sad". "Why did she go to heaven?". Anna asked. "Why did she have to go away?". "Is she going to come back?". "Sweetheart, Grandma was very sick". "She had some troubles, and she's in a different place, but she'll always be there in mind and spirit". Edd said. "How did it feel losing Grandma?". "My heart", Anna began. "My heart has a hole". "Grandma helped me". "Of course". Edd said. "Grandma believed in you very much". "She knew you had potential, and helped you follow it". "Yeah". "She was the only one". Anna said. "She wasn't the only one". Edd said, stroking Anna's face. "Mom believes in you, dad believes in you, the rest of your family believes in you, I believe in you, too". "I think you are a beautiful, intelligent, poised young girl who has made us proud each and every day". Edd said.
"Teacher". Anna said. "I used to want to be a teacher". "I'm sure you still could". Edd smiled. "You are very wise for your age". "Teacher!". "Teacher!". Anna then giggled, wanting to run around the room. "Let's be calm". Edd said, gently. "Shhh". "Shhh". he said, stroking Anna's face. Anna calmed down a significant amount as she still giggled a bit. "When we trust one another, we can have deep conversations". Edd said. "It just takes a bit of reliance on the other person". . "Birth mom". Anna pronounced. "Oh, are you curious about her?". Edd asked. "Yes". Anna said, looking up to her therapist. "Well, we don't know who she was, or what she did, but, we do know she gave you up because she loved you very much". Edd smiled. "Your birth mother thought you were amazing, I'm sure". "Birth mom". "Birth mom". Anna said, pointing. "Do you have a baby book your parents gave you with pictures of Russia, and where you stayed?". Edd asked. "Yeah". Anna said. "Baby book".
She pronounced, in a broken syntax. "Yes, well,one day we'll look at your baby book, and see some pictures". Edd said, gently. "Thank you for sharing your feelings with me today". "I'm happy we could trust one another". "Yeah". Anna said. "I trust Edd". "I trust you as well". Edd smiled. For the rest of the day, they worked on chewing solid food, and identification of objects. "Ceiling". Anna pointed. "Yes, that's the ceiling, and what is this called?". Edd asked, pointing to the white carpet. "Carpet". Anna said, looking downward. "Very good". Edd replied. "Anna". Patty called, as Anna lifted her head. It was an improvement that Anna was responding to her own name. "Are you ready?". "It's time for lunch". "Lunch". Anna repeated. "Lunch". "That's right, we'll eat some lunch". Patty said. Anna got up from the carpet, going over to the table as Patty made her a sandwich. Patty glanced down at her daughter who was calmly eating as Edd took a sip of his vitamin water. "How was she today?". "She seems to be improving with age". Edd said.
"Her level of attachment still seems disorganized". "Oh, well, when I do kiss her at night, I notice she does become resistant and will try to break away, but at the same time, she does want the attention". "She wants the love, and I can see it, but she's not used to touch, and nurturing". Patty said. "Her rate of learning is definitely quicker, but, she still seems inattentive". Edd pursed his lips. "We've tried call and response exercises and manding, and she is much better than she used to be". "I would recommend elongating holding therapy, and kiss at night". "We've tried it in our session, and I do think the longer you secure her, the better the element of trust will be". Edd said. "She should test well as she is speaking 204 words a minute". "We'll keep that in mind". Patty said. "Her eating habits are normal". "She should be functioning executively". Edd said. "How have things been?". Patty asked, drinking her iced tea, although with her and Edd talking, it would've been more fitting to call it a glass of wine. "With Marie?". "How've things been with Marie?". "I'm not with Marie". "We're keeping it consensual". "Taking care of kids hasn't affected your s life at all?". "Not really, no". Edd said. "I do what I want, I figure, the problem with Nazz was, I had someone I had to answer to, but, now I can just play". "I don't commit, but I will play". Edd said. "Well, we're happy for you". Patty said. "Truly". Edd muttered.
"Have you considered looking into various care facilities for Anna?". Edd muttered. "Oh, well, we haven't decided yet". Patty said. "We're still thinking on it". "We may just take care of her". "That's a good plan". "You wouldn't have to spend any money". Edd said. "Perhaps". Patty said. "Diet regulation may also be a good plan". Edd said. "She still likes Cranberry juice?". "She does, and we'll substitute that in for milk". Patty said. Anna came inside putting her plate in the sink. "Thank you". She said. "Of course". Patty said. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, sweetie". "Dr. Edd has to leave now, but we'll see him again, soon". Patty said. "Yes, I'm leaving sweetie". "I'll see you again sometime this week". Edd said. "Goodbye Edd". Anna said, giving him a hug. "Goodbye, Anna, sweetheart". "I'll see you again". "Have a good rest of your day". "You too". Anna said. "Mom, I'm sad". "I'm sad Edd's leaving". "Don't be so dauer, Anna". Edd said, smiling. "We had a lovely time". "We'll meet again soon". "Ok". Anna said. "I want to come over your house". Anna said. "Alright, sweetheart, I think for now it'd be better if we spent time at your house". Edd said. "Ok". Anna said. "Goodbye, sweetheart". "Have a good day". Edd said, hugging Anna, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Goodbye, Edd". Anna pronounced. Edd smiled, as he and Patty muttered goodbye to one another. He then went outside, starting up his car to go away. "I want to go over to Dr. Edd's house". Anna said. "I think Dr. Edd likes it here better". Anna's mom comforted. "Let's go see if we can find daddy". Anna went into the small office, finding her dad doing paperwork. "Daddy!". "Daddy!". She pointed, giggling. "Oh, how are you honey?". John asked scooping Anna up his arms. "Dr. Edd saw me today". Anna said. "Dr. Edd". "did you have fun with Dr. Edd?". John asked. "Yeah, he taught me about trust". "I trust you dad". Anna said. "That's good". "I'm glad you do". "Now we can really, and truly talk, and connect with one another". John said. "Yeah". Anna said. "I can talk to you, and mom". "Yes, and you can talk to us about how you're feeling, how your day went, we'll really help one another". John said. "How have you been feeling lately?". "I feel happy, because you are my mom and dad, and because you believe in me". Anna said. "We do, and we always will". Patty said. "We love you, and we chose you to always be ours". "Yeah". Anna said. "chosen". "That's right, chosen because we knew in our hearts, we had the right little girl". Anna giggled, laying her head down on her dad's shoulders. This was the perfect family. Although, it seemed realistically, that Anna couldn't go to college, or live on her own, or even have a family of her own. It was sad to see, but, it was the truth.
Outside, Edd took out his orange vape pen, blowing a large billow of smoke from it. He then looked down at his iphone. Several appointments today he had. All of them were with troubled children. "This should be easy". He muttered, sitting, blowing smoke from the vape pen. He was a gentle person, he was. Although, famously the Eds were known for building young, troubled, underdeveloped girls up, by feeding them, giving them what they wanted, and complimenting them, being optimistic, only, they knew the realities of these girls' disabilities. They often, in subtle ways, kept the girls from doing certain things such as oh, I don't know, talking about politics, or science. If they had something to say, the Eds disregarded it as something unimportant, and what an infant would do. Edd often was the most tolerant out of all three of them, even as all three of them were good with troubled kids. Edd actually worked with these kids. Even he, at times needed some adult time. Anna was one of his best clients. She had minor behavior problems, was compliant, and rarely threw tantrums. She was almost always happy. Although, this happiness could've been her naivety coming into effect. Edd pursed his lips thinking about Anna's happiness, and juvenile, attitude complimentary to the mindset of a toddler.
Anna had an IQ of 51. This meant that while her behavior problems were few, her problem solving abilities, focus, and retention were lower than that of the average person. This meant that she had the IQ of a five year old at 18. This wasn't her fault, although, something had been taken from her at a very young age. Something had been stolen from her she needed to have. Well, it was a shame that she didn't have something a normal person needed to have. Edd blew out his smoke, looking down at his phone. No phone calls from any of the parents, or guardians. This was good. He felt chilled out.
He no longer felt neurotic, or as if he needed to excel at some high level. He was intelligent, yes. He graduated top of his class in high school. Although his good nature impeded him, and he chose to work out of high school, go to community college, and marry young. This was where he met Nazz, and began a 23 year long romance. They had separated after unhappiness on both ends. By this time, Edd was a counselor, and developmental therapist for internationally adopted, abused, neglected, and foster children. Yes, Edd was kind, but he too had a shred of judging attitude. Edd blew out more smoke from his vape pen, muttering to himself, as he checked his phone. Nothing still. Looking at the time, Edd stood up, putting his vape pen back in his pocket. He then went to his car, opening the door, getting in, and driving to his next appointment.
Later that night, the steam coming from the mashed potatoes filled a small space, as Patty put some down on the table. Green beans were also put down on the table. Anna looked up, coming to the table after petting the dog. "Please go wash your hands". Mom said gently. "Ok". Anna said, getting up. "Let's go change our pajamas, there might be a bit of Katie on those". Patty instructed gently. Anna went upstairs as Katie followed her. "No, stay down". Anna said, pushing Katie away. "She really does seem to be improving". John said. "Yes, well she's always been helpful". "If we can get her to do a simple job such as vacuuming, or being a teacher's assistant, she would probably be functional". Patty said. "She's always wanted to be a teacher". "This would be perfect for her". John said. "What about, direction following?". "Would they work with her on acquiring that skill?". "Perhaps, and attentiveness". John replied. Anna came back downstairs wearing her pink dress for dinner, as she sat down. She pointed to the mashed potatoes that sat on the table.
"What are those?". Patty prompted as Anna looked down at her mashed potatoes. "Mashed potatoes". Anna said. "Mashed potatoes". "Very good, those are mashed potatoes". Patty smiled. "What are these?". Patty prompted, as Anna looked down at her green beans that sat on her plate. "Green beans". Anna said. "Yes, very good". Patty smiled. "Mom, can I have some green beans please?". Anna asked. "Of course you can, sweetie". Patty said, giving Anna some green beans. Anna ate her green beans, looking up at her parents. "Dr. Edd loves me". She said. "Of course he does". "He's one of your biggest fans". Patty said. "Yeah". "you and dad love me because I came from Russia". Anna said. "Yes, we do". Patty said. "But not just because you came from Russia, it's because we believe in fate". "We believe we were matched with the right little girl who would change our lives". "Oh, can...can I talk to you about something?". Anna asked. "Sure". Patty said. "Did my birth mom love me?". "Why did she give me up?". "Well, your birth mother did love you, very much". Patty said. "Something happened where she is up in heaven, now, as an angel". Patty said. "Angel". "I still talk to her". Anna said. "Birth mom loved me". "She did". Patty said. "Birth mom loved you very much". Patty said. "But, sometimes things happen, and god has another plan". "Yeah, I know Jesus is keeping her safe". Anna said. "Oh, that's so sweet". Patty said. There was a moment of silence between them as Anna ate her mashed potatoes, and green beans.
"So what else did you and Dr. Edd talk about?". John asked. "Did you talk about trust?". "Yeah". "And we talked about my baby book". Anna said. "He said that I could trust him no matter what". "That I can talk to him no matter what". "You can because he is part of your family". Patty said. "He can help you and answer whatever questions you have about Russia". "Yeah". Anna said. "Can I talk to you, and dad too?". "Of course you can". Patty said. "You can talk to us about whatever you need to". "I know". Anna said. "We love you, and we are here for you". "I know it's been hard for you growing up, and in the beginning when birth mom passed on, but you've done so well". "We are so proud to be your parents". "I know". Anna said. "You are amazing". Patty said. "Thank you mom". Anna said. "Do you want more potatoes?". Patty asked. "Mashed potatoes". Anna pointed. "Sure, whatever you need". Patty said. "Did you have a good day too, daddy?". Anna asked.
"I sure did". John said. "I went and got some business done, and got a commission which is good". "What's a commission?". Anna asked. "It's a sale I do". John replied. "Oh, that's good". Anna replied. "Daddy has to make those if he's going to do well, and keep our family afloat". Patty said. "Daddy's job". Anna said. "Daddy's job". "Yes, that is daddy's job". Patty said. "My job I would say, is pretty good". John said. "Mommy, do you have a job?". Anna asked. "Well, I used to, but, ever since I came to take care of you, I just, sort of, didn't really pay attention to it that much". Patty replied. "Oh, ok". Anna said. "Thank you for doing your job". Anna said. "Oh, sweetheart, thank you". Patty said. "I'm very happy to have chosen you as my first priority". "Mom's busy". Anna said. "Yes, she is most of the time". Patty said. They finished their dinner as Anna went upstairs to take a shower. While she was in her room, getting her clothes and pajamas, she looked down at her necklace birth mom gave her. "Mom". "mom". Anna pointed, then closing her eyes to pray a bit. She had hoped Jesus would keep birth mom safe, wherever she was. Anna then gathered her pajamas, going into the nearby bathroom to take a shower.
The T.V. stayed on as Anna held her little white stuffed bunny, with black beads for eyes close to her. When Anna pressed its left paw, a nice little song played. Mom and dad got that for her for her third birthday. "Daddy?". She asked as she looked up to John while he sat in the big chair. "Yes, pumpkin?". He replied. "Were you adopted?". "No, I was born to my mom, and she and I were pretty close for a while". "My mom was a sweet lady". He sighed. "She was the best mom, and grandmother to you, anyone could ever ask for". "Yeah". Anna said. "She helped you with quite a lot". John said, now feeling the loneliness that came with losing his mom. "What did she help me with?". Anna asked.
"Well, she helped you with getting dressed all by yourself, swallowing, chewing, taking a bath all by yourself". "She was even there for your baptism". John said. "What did she do?". Anna asked. "She held you, she gave you baby bottle when you were hungry". "Boy, were you hungry that day!". "Baby bottle". Anna repeated. She didn't remember anything from her baptism, but she had seen home videos of her running around the church at baptism. Some pictures from her baby book she had seen, had her drinking her bottle at baptism. "The priest baptized you, and you and grandma got a picture". John said. "And your godmother, cousin Rachel held you for a picture". "Cousin Rachel". Anna said.
"Yes, cousin Rachel". John said. "Then Cousin Rachel gave you a kiss". "Rachel". "Rachel". Anna pronounced her name. "Yes, cousin Rachel". John said. "You used to run around the church when you were little, you used to go up, and play by the stained glass windows". "I used to hold you, and you would play with my St. Christopher necklace". "You were so cute". John finished. "Yeah". Rachel said. "Cute". "Cute". Rachel sat by her dad, as he rubbed her back. Rachel pressed the bunny's paw as it began playing music. Rachel held her bunny close, as her eyes began to fall. Today was a pretty busy day with her therapist, and helping mom and dad outside. The background noise for the T.V. no longer seemed distracting, ot disruptive, as Anna closed her eyes, falling asleep. "Anna, honey". Anna lifted her head, looking upward to see her mom.
"Mommy". She pronounced, as her delayed, syntax eased it's way in, making her sound similar to an underdeveloped child. "Are you ready to go upstairs?". "Yeah". Anna said. "Right this way, sweetheart", Patty said gently, leading Anna upstairs to her room. The nightlight stayed on, as Anna settled into her bed. "Goodnight, honey". "I love you very much". Patty said, hugging and kissing Anna on the cheek, as Anna turned her head. Anna hugged her mom, now, not resisting the kiss. "I love you, mommy". Anna said, laying down in her bed."shh, goodnight". Patty stroked Anna's head, as Anna felt the tired overcome her. She felt it was nighttime, and that this particular day, this good day, had finally ended. It was time to go to bed. All the world around her, ceased its activity for the night, winding down in a way that told everyone, the day was over. Tomorrow was a new journey to befall.