“I’ve spoken to your therapist, Morgan. You’ve mastered phonetics. They think you have the efficiency of a naturally hearing individual. You just have to trust yourself,” Dr. Hamady urged. “There’s no pressure. When you’re ready, you will use your voice. Medically, there is no reason why you are unable to.”

Morgan nodded, as the doctor stood to his feet. He shook hands with Ethic, before exiting the room.

Morgan was silent the entire ride home, as she soaked up the things around her. She never knew so many things made noise. Everything had its own sound, even the wheels rotating on the pavement was noticeable. It was amazing. It was like she had walked through her entire life half living without the soundtrack that accompanied it. She had a slight headache from the different sensations she was feeling inside her ears. It was all so loud and Eazy was on 10 in the backseat. His racket she enjoyed, however. His sound matched his vibe.

“Morgan, do you want to know what a fart sounds like?” Eazy asked. “Ooh, what about a motorcycle? Or Daddy snoring?”

Morgan smiled, as the entire car burst into laughter. He was being a typical boy - gross, silly, and mannish.

“Big man, let Mo chill, okay?” Ethic said. Ethic was used to the amount of racket Eazy made, but he didn’t want it to overwhelm Morgan. She was used to processing only four senses. She would have to adjust.

“Daddy, chill. She wanted to hear. Let her hear. It doesn’t have to be such a big event,” Bella said, with a slight attitude.

Ethic turned and looked at her, sitting in the back seat, mouth in a pout, and arms crossed over her chest.

“Watch your tone, Bella. We operate with respect for each other. Every member of this house. It’s been a long day for everybody,” Ethic said, as he pulled into his estate. He was beginning to think the surprise celebration dinner he had planned wasn’t such a good idea. He allowed Morgan to climb the steps first, as he and the kids trailed behind her. When she opened the door, she jumped in startle, as she heard,

“Surprise!!!”

It, literally, felt like an explosion sounded off in her ears, as Lily, Nish, Messiah, and even Dolce stood waiting for her. Her hands shot to her ears, as she winced in pain. It was too much, too soon, and Ethic rushed to her side.

“Baby girl, what hurts?” he asked, as he cupped her face as he watched her squeeze her eyes shut.

Morgan took a moment to breathe, as a silence fell over the room. Everyone stood, worried, gawking, as Morgan slowly opened her eyes.

“You good?” Ethic asked.

She nodded. “I just have to get used to it.”