My Son And His Wife Went On A Cruise, Leaving Me To Babysit My 8-Year-Old Grandson Who Had Never Spoken Around Us. As Soon As The Door Clicked Shut, He Stopped Rocking, Looked Straight In The Eye, And Whispered In A Clear Voice: “Grandma, Don’t Drink The Tea Mom Made For You… Not Yet.” A Chill Ran Through Me…

Her voice honeyed with false concern. “The chamomile blend you love so much. I made enough to last the whole week.

Just add hot water to the packets I left on the counter.”

I nodded gratefully, though something in her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “That’s very thoughtful, dear.”

“And remember,” she continued, placing a manicured hand on my shoulder, “Damian’s bedtime is exactly at 8:00. He gets very agitated if his routine is disrupted.

The pediatrician said consistency is crucial for children with his condition.”

Damen stood beside me, his small hand clasped in mine. He wore his favorite dinosaur shirt and carried the worn stuffed elephant he’d had since he was two. To anyone watching, he appeared to be the picture of a special needs child.

Quiet, withdrawn, dependent on the adults around him for guidance and care. “We’ll stick to his routine,” I assured them. Though privately, I wondered how much of Damian’s supposed need for rigid structure was real, and how much was just another way for Nyla to maintain control, even from a distance.

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