“Leo?” Dante says quietly, coming closer to Leo, bending down on one knee on the floor in front of him so they are eye to eye. Dante reaches for Leo’s hand, the two of them looking at each other, Dante in awe, Leo a little startled, both in total shock.

“Can you talk again, son?” Dante asks, almost pleading, as he can’t quite believe what just happened. He grabs Leo’s shoulder, and Dante’s eyes begin to water as well.

Leo looks at me, and I smile wide and nod to him, trying not to let the tears fall, not wanting to ruin the moment and giving him the reassurance he is asking for.

“Dad?” he says timidly, his voice a little croaky from lack of use, but otherwise, all normal. It’s the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard.

“Leo. You can… you can talk…” Dante stammers, shock still evident as he grabs Leo and pulls him to his chest. My heart swells. I have studied every textbook I could find. I scoured the internet, read articles, used different techniques from talking constantly, to reading to him, playing with him, and doing generally anything I knew how to, to make him feel safe and secure in my presence. I have spent every day with him since I got here, and I have noticed each time he experiences something new, he opens up more and more. My banter at Lego time, my soft singing at nighttime, my cooking with him and Maria. Whatever it was, I made sure to include him, speak to him, and care for him. The movie afternoon was another first. I thought we could make this a weekly tradition, so he could hear different characters, and to expand his vocabulary.

To hear him speak is overwhelming. Tears burn my eyes, watching this father and son. Dante doesn’t let him go, as they hug each other tight. I can hear Dante whispering to him while rubbing his back. “I love you, Leo. Your voice is beautiful, my son.” My heart is about to explode from my chest as I see Leo’s head nodding every few moments, agreeing with Dante. It is a big moment for them both. Dante is right; Leo’s voice is beautiful. It is wonderful to hear it, and watching the two of them together makes me feel even more connected, and like I am right where I need to be.

I turn and start to tidy up our mess a little, trying to give them some privacy, running our empty glasses back to the kitchen. When I return, I see them both now apart and smiling.