Page 69 of Fighting Chance

She offers me a warm smile as she pushes her black framed reading glasses on the top of her head. “Kieran was telling me that you’ve been a great asset in helping Emmy settle into her home.”

My cheeks flame. “Oh, I wouldn’t?—”

“Yes, she has,” Kieran cuts in smoothly.

Dr. Singh’s smile grows. “Well, I’ll take his word for it. Now, Kieran informed me that she spoke with you?”

“She just told me her name. It took a lot of coaxing though.”

“That’s wonderful she offered it though. I’ll get to know Emmy’s personality through our sessions, but until I do, I want those spending time with Emmy to try various exercises and see which ones spark the most improvement.”

“What exactly should we be looking for?” Kieran asks, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees.

“Music for example, perhaps as you cook or drive in the car. See if you get a reaction, like a foot tap or a head bop, and if you do, dive down that avenue. I’ve always made great progress with children through music and she might surprise you.”

“Music, got it. I’ll try all the genres.”

Dr. Singh’s lips twitch. “I’m very happy to hear how dedicated you are to helping Emmy.”

“I’ll do anything for her.”

I swallow thickly at the vow in his words. “What other exercisesshould we try?” I ask.

“Reading, make-believe games, puppets… Honestly, anything that is a creative expression in any capacity.” Dr. Singh looks over at Emmy, watching as she plays with two dolls. “She does seem to be drawn to dolls. Perhaps try and talk through them with her, see if she joins you.”

Nodding along, I take a mental note of everything.

“And just…” She sighs before turning her gaze back to us. “Children, whether they speak or not, are aware. You may not think they’re listening but they are, so talk to her like she’s a friend. Treat her as if sheisspeaking.”

“And you’re certain there’s nothing medically stopping her from talking?” Kieran asks.

“After my examinations I’m more than certain there is no physical trauma that has led to Emmy’s silence. It sadly seems to be psychological.” She rises from her chair, making Kieran and me follow her lead.

Rounding the desk, she places her hand on Kieran’s shoulder and lowers her voice. “She has suffered a serious traumatic event, Mr. Ashford, and that’s just the experience we know of. We don’t know the environment or conditions of parenting she was raised in. Give her time to learn that she’s safe with you.”

Kieran seems to have a hard time swallowing those words but nods all the same before squaring his shoulders and extending his hand. “Thank you, Dr. Singh. I’ll see you next week.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know Emmy more,” she says gently before turning my way. “And please do tell Kieran how the games go so he can pass the information along to me.”

“Of course, I’m more than happy to keep a journal as well. That way, I won’t forget anything.” I laugh nervously. “This is too important to be playing telephone.”

Dr. Singh chuckles at that, the light and airy sound drawing Emmy’s attention. “That’s very true. A journal is a wonderful idea.”

Kieran’s been white-knuckling the steering wheel since he slid into the driver’s seat. He’s also changed radio stations after every song to try every genre as he said he would. Kieran Ashford, a man of his word. His gaze is constantly flicking from the road to the rearview mirror to check for any signs Emmy enjoys something she hears.

There’s a hint of desperation, as if he’s praying for something, anything, to let him know which direction to take in order to help her, and I don’t blame him. Just knowing that Emmy haschosennot to speak… The ideas my mind conjures up are utterly heartbreaking.

What happened to her to make her silent? Will we ever know?

Kieran’s thoughts must be diving down the same twisted turns mine have because as he pulls into his driveway and puts the car in park, he just sits there, gazing out the window. Before I know what I’m doing, I’m reaching over and squeezing his bicep. At the flutter that works its way through my heart, I quickly retract my hand and whisper, “I’ll bring her inside. Take your time.”

He shakes his head as I slide out of the truck. “No, I’m okay?—”

“No you’re not, and Emmy can probably tell. Take a minute for yourself. I’ve got her.”

Opening the back door, I unbuckle Emmy from her car seat, hugging her extra tight as she wraps her arms around my neck. Bambi jumps out of the car too, and I look across the street, chewing on my bottom lip.

Kieran, observant as always, drawls, “It’s okay. I can walk her across the road.”