Evelyn Brooks had heard hundreds of doctors tell her that her daughter needed time, needed therapy, needed patience. But that afternoon, in the corner of the recovery cent’s outdoor play area, Luna suddenly grabbed the sleeve of a stranger who was kneeling down to tie his daughter’s shoe and whispered two words she had not spoken in nearly 3 years.
Matthew hadn’t even had time to react. Evelyn was already standing frozen behind them. Her voice broke so completely, it was barely sound at all. Say it again, please. Baby, say it again.
Continue on the next page:
