Ben hugged him tightly.
That evening, we told Emily everything. She was upset about the secrecy, but after reviewing the therapist’s instructions, she agreed Ben could continue practicing with professional guidance and only when he wanted to.
From then on, the door remained open.
Whenever Ben got tired, we stopped. Whenever he became frightened, we comforted him.
Six weeks later, my birthday arrived.
Robert suggested taking us to the seaside.
We spent a beautiful afternoon together, sitting on a stone bench overlooking the ocean. Ben wore his favorite red cap.
We took a family photograph.
Then Robert quietly asked me to stand a few steps away.
“Why?” I asked.
“Just trust me.”
I turned around and saw Ben standing beside his grandfather, holding a tiny yellow flower.
PlanFamily Trips
“Grandma, I have a present for you!”
Robert stood close enough to catch him.
Then Ben slowly released his grandfather’s hand.