Not everyone welcomed the change. Evan’s mother, Elaine Roth, arrived unannounced, concern hardening into suspicion when she learned Rachel had been working with the boys. “This is reckless,” she said sharply. “You are letting desperation cloud your judgment.”
Her certainty wavered only when Simon, supported by Rachel’s hands, managed to stand for several trembling seconds. He reached toward his grandmother, arms lifted with effort and intent. Elaine said nothing as tears filled her eyes, turning away before anyone could see them fall.
The next morning, Rachel was gone. A note waited on the kitchen counter, thanking Evan for trusting her, urging him not to stop working with the boys. When Evan found Aaron and Simon crying quietly in the therapy room, the truth hit him fully.
“Where is Miss Rachel?” Aaron asked, his voice shaking but clear. It was the first full sentence he had spoken in over a year.
Evan did not hesitate. He found her that afternoon in a modest apartment across town, rain soaking through his jacket as he stood at her door. “My son spoke today,” he said when she opened it, emotion breaking through every word. “He asked for you.”