Amara stayed seated on the bench with Vaughn nestled against her, feeling his small body slowly begin to relax. Dr. Morgan remained at a distance, giving them space to breathe.
It was a tiny step, a fragile glimmer of progress, but it was enough for now.
Amara kept her voice low and soothing as she began pointing out the different toys and activities scattered around the outdoor area, trying to coax Vaughn’s attention away from the shadows that seemed to haunt his every thought.
“Look, Vaughn,” she said gently, nodding toward a colorful set of building blocks near the sandbox. “Do you see those blocks over there? We could make a tower if you want.”
He didn’t respond, but his eyes flickered toward the blocks for just a moment, and that tiny sign of interest was enough for Amara to keep going.
She stood up slowly, feeling Vaughn’s grip on her arm tighten, and then relaxed as she moved carefully toward the sandbox, bringing him with her.
She sat down on the edge, letting the warm sand filter through her fingers, and gave Vaughn a reassuring smile.
“See?” she said softly, showing him how the sand ran like water through her hands. “It’s nice here. You can just play a little if you want. I’m right here with you.”
Vaughn remained silent, his eyes locked on the sand, his face a mask of uncertainty.
Amara knew she couldn’t rush him. Instead, she picked up one of the brightly colored blocks and began to stack them, making a small tower that swayed slightly in the breeze.
She worked slowly, every motion calm and deliberate, trying to show Vaughn that this was a safe place.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dr. Morgan watching them, her expression patient and encouraging.
Suddenly, Amara’s phone buzzed in her pocket, breaking the delicate silence.
She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb Vaughn, but then she glanced at the screen.
It was a message from Rowan.
“How are things going at Dr. Morgan’s?” he asked.
Amara’s heart warmed at his concern, and she quickly typed a response with one hand, keeping the other arm around Vaughn. “She is good, thanks for the help,” she replied, her fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard.
A moment later, another message came through: “Anytime, Crimson.”
She smiled at the nickname Rowan had given her.
She tucked her phone away and turned her attention back to Vaughn, who had watched the phone exchange with wary eyes.
“That was Uncle Rowan,” she said, trying to sound cheerful. “He wanted to make sure we’re okay.”
Vaughn didn’t respond, but his gaze lingered on her face, and she felt a spark of hope flare to life.
Gently, she picked up a small shovel from the sandbox and began digging a shallow trench in the sand, humming a tune under her breath.
Vaughn’s eyes followed the movement, his grip on her arm slowly loosening.
“Maybe we could make a castle together,” she suggested softly, holding out the shovel to him.
For a second, she thought he might take it, but then he turned away, pressing his face into her shoulder.
Her heart sank, but she didn’t let the disappointment show. She kept digging in the sand, quietly narrating her actions as if Vaughn was engaged, even if only as an observer.
Minutes stretched into an hour, and finally, Dr. Morgan suggested they take a break, sensing that Vaughn had reached his limit for the day.
Amara nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for not achieving more, but the therapist’s gentle smile reassured her that even these small moments were victories.
Back in the waiting room, they met Leo and Emery, who had been sitting patiently, their expressions softening when they saw the quiet determination in Amara’s eyes. “How did it go?” Emery asked, her voice hushed, as if afraid of breaking the fragile peace.
Amara gave a tired smile. “He’s still… struggling. But he stayed with me the whole time, after so many days. It’s something.”
Leo nodded, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You’re doing great, Ama. One step at a time.”
Dr. Morgan gave them some parting advice, encouraging them to continue finding ways to engage Vaughn gently, without forcing anything.
She recommended keeping the rest of the day light and fun, suggesting they take him to places he used to love.
With a few pamphlets in hand and a tentative plan for the next session, they thanked Dr. Morgan and left the office.
They decided to take Vaughn to a small, family-friendly restaurant that he used to love, one that had a little play area with a corner full of toys and a small slide.
Amara and Emery sat on either side of Vaughn in the booth, while Leo went to order food, keeping everything as low-key and comfortable as possible.
Vaughn stayed pressed against Amara’s side, barely touching his food, his small fingers picking at the edges of his plate. Emery leaned forward, her voice soft and encouraging.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she said gently, nudging the plate a little closer. “I know you like this, remember? Just a little bite?”
Vaughn’s eyes flickered up to hers before looking back down. Amara gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
“It’s okay, Vaughn,” she said. “Just a little, for me?”
Slowly, Vaughn reached for the fork, hesitating before taking a small bite. Emery’s eyes softened with relief.
“That’s it,” she praised, “Good job.”
They didn’t linger long, not wanting to overwhelm him.
After lunch, they drove out to the beach, a quiet, secluded stretch of sand that had always been Vaughn’s favorite place.
The ocean breeze was cool and refreshing, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the silence that hung heavily between them.
Amara led Vaughn down to the water, holding his hand tightly.
The sand was warm beneath their feet, and the sun glinted off the waves in a dazzling display of light.
Vaughn had always loved the ocean, the way the waves seemed endless and free. Now, he stood at the edge of the surf, his eyes wide and empty, as if the sea had lost its magic.