MY SON DIDN’T SPEAK FOR EIGHT YEARS AFTER HIS TWIN

He simply stopped.

He stood at her graveside in his small dark suit, holding my hand, and after that day — nothing.

The doctors had words for it.

Selective mutism, triggered by acute grief trauma.

I tried everything.

Therapy. Art. Music. A dog named after Janice’s favorite cartoon character.

I read to him every night, even when he just stared at the ceiling.

He answered with nods and gestures.

Eight years passed.

Jeremy turned thirteen in March.