“Aside from the Simpsons, I didn’t watch a lot of TV, but Lilly used to have the radio on all the time. I love music and dancing, even though I am not very good at either of them.” I laugh, the memories filling my brain. As bad as things were, especially toward the end, Lilly was really my guardian angel. “My mom also used to play Dolly Parton a lot when I was growing up. So when I hear Dolly, it reminds me of my mom.” I look down at my hands and pretend I am concentrating on the Lego pieces as I try to push the tears back down that threaten to spill over my cheeks. His little hand comes out and touches mine, and I still.

“I'm okay, thanks,” I whisper with a smile, trying to get my emotions in check as I see the concern on his face.

I am by no means a teacher or a specialist with kids, but I have babysat a lot of them over the years, from all walks of life. I can tell when kids need extra support. This little guy sitting next to me can certainly hear me, and by the look of his Lego skills, both his gross and fine motor skills are perfect. From seeing his bookshelf, he can probably read, and his acknowledgement of my tears means he can sense others emotions and show empathy.

Yet he doesn’t talk.

“Why don’t you talk?” I decide to ask. Might as well just get straight to the point.

He just shrugs his shoulders in response.

So he can talk… he just doesn’t want to? A little girl back home that I babysat had Mutism, so it may be something similar. At the time, I read every book and watched clips on the web at the local library on the topic. Although I don’t have the qualifications, I saw what worked with her, so I will just treat this little boy the same and see what happens.

It can never hurt to try, right?

“There you both are!” a female voice says from behind me, and I turn to see the older lady who I saw in the kitchen when I first arrived.

“Hello, dear. I am Maria.” Her accent is thick as she introduces herself, taking a step toward me, and I stand quickly.

“Hi, I’m Annie.” I’m still a little startled, but her warm expression puts me at ease.

“Why don’t you both come downstairs. I have some snacks ready for morning tea.” Even though I am not really hungry, I already know there is absolutely no way to say no to this lady, as her face lights up and her eyes graze over my appearance.

Leo jumps up beside me and is already out the door, so Maria and I follow him.