"Penny of the Silent Path" part 1 By Rita Widmer

AN: First, I want to thank Karisma, ruby, and mepb for their wonderful reviews. Secondly, I forgot to mention this last time, but this story is dedicated to three wonderful women. Helen Keller, who had to survive this time in deaf history where they were considered stupid and useless, and she overcame all of this to become an important woman. Sue Thomas, who was the first deaf person to become an FBI surveillant. Also to Deanne Bray, who plays Sue Thomas on the tv show "Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye," and a wonderful deaf actress. Lastly, I hope you enjoy and please add a little review.

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Laughter filled the small room as the group of three enjoyed a light dinner together. A bond growing between the three that none of them believed would never break. The eldest watched on as the young married couple shared a secret smile of love.

Dr. David Baker could feel a jolt within his heart as he watched Kilmeny and Eric share a conversation with no words. Something they had learned when she believed she would never speak. Her voice was still a little uncontrollable, but she was learning how to control its level and shakiness. He had helped her in learning to speak, and he was proud to claim her as his patient.

He shook his head to get back to the couple before him. They were now smiling at him like they knew what he was thinking of at that moment. 'Was he that readable?' he thought.

"Let me in on the secret," David said as silence reigned over them. There was something different about them tonight.

"We're hoping for a new addition to the family next summer," Eric cried.

Kilmeny's eyes lighted up as she thought of the little child she maybe holding in her arms next year. David looked between them, and felt a pang of loneliness shoot through him.

"Congratulations, Kilmeny and Eric. I'm happy for you both."

He spent the rest of the day there, celebrating the news and their friendship, but a part of David was on something else. He still didn't understand that pang he had felt. When he had expected to feel only happiness, he had felt loneliness overcome him.

He had all he had ever considered important in life, friends and work. Love had flown out of his life so long ago that he didn't believe it would ever come back into it. Did he want it to come back? Was he feeling the loneliness of being alone in life? He had no answers for these questions, but he didn't need them for now. His friends that were sitting with him on the porch were his company. That he would never give up for anything in the world.

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"There was an odd woman that came in here while you were at lunch. She said she knew you, and wanted your help with something. She wouldn't tell me what it was," said David's assistant."

"What's her name?" asked David.

"Anne Johnson. Do you know what she wants?"

"No, but I have no idea. I'll call on her tonight."

That evening, David found himself in front of the Johnson's home. He walked by the several children playing in the yard. The door was opened by a middle-aged woman who looked quite anxious.

"Dr. Baker, thank you for coming so quickly. I need your help. A young lady friend came to me seeking help what to do with her mute daughter. I keep telling her send her to a deaf school, but no she won't."

He sat down on the chair he was offered. "What do you want me from me?"

"Examine the child, and convince her that she needs to send the child away. They'll know how to handle children like that."

Dr. Baker felt the temper wanting to blare up in him at her clear contempt of the deaf child, but knew it wouldn't get him anywhere to correct her. "Why doesn't she want to send her to a school?"

"Money, so she tells me, but honestly I don't think she wants to give up the child. She is quite attached to her, though all the child is a nuisance."

"The child can't communicate what she wants, Mrs. Johnson. If I had to go through life not hearing what I'm told, and can't tell someone I want something I would be a nuisance too. Now give me her information, and I will examine the child. I'll try to help the child in anyway I can."

The woman stood shocked before him at his outburst. "Of…of course, I knew you would want to help them. Here's the information. Please help her. She lost her husband a couple of years ago, and she should be given a chance to live a regular life. Not to have to watch that child constantly."

Once again, he wanted to comment, but instead he took the information and left the house.

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David Baker had spent the evening trying to decide his option for little Penny Dunn, the deaf child, which had become his newest case. If the mother couldn't afford to send her daughter, he would have to help her learn to speak on his own. A skill that was very hard to teach to someone that had no hearing.

He started making a list of things that needed to be done. First, he needed to send the child to an audiologist to check the child's hearing levels. 'She maybe able to hear some levels of sound that could be used to help her learn,' he thought. Secondly, check costs of schools, and if there was any financial support. Also he needed to search for information on sign language. Simple signs could help her communicate until she could learn to talk. Lastly, he would need to rearrange his schedule to fit all this in.

The next afternoon found him at the Dunn home. On the gate, a sign read "Silent Path." 'How appropriate,' he thought. Slowly, he knocked on the door. A sudden nervous feeling coming over him.

The door opened, and revealed to him the most beautiful woman. Her eyes shined up at him with a hint of apprehension.

"Hello, Mrs. Dunn, I'm Dr. Baker."

TBC…

AN2: I don't agree with any of the opinions by Mrs. Johnson in this story, but it is an opinion that was common of the time for deaf children. It's sad but true.