I placed a new drawing on the bed. She glanced at it for a moment, then returned to her play.
Vicki was in rapid motion, handing the cards to Cindy, then clasping Cindy's hand briefly between both of hers. Avoiding eye contact with me, she walked over to the bed, tousled Cassie's head, and said, 'See you, punkin.'
Cassie looked up for an instant. Vicki tousled her hair again and left.
Cindy stood. A pink blouse replaced yesterday's plaid. Same jeans and sandals.
'let's see, what did Dr. Delaware draw for you today?'
She picked up the drawing. Cassie reached out and took it from her.
Cindy put an arm around her shoulder. An elephant! Dr. Delaware drew you a cute blue elephant!'
Cassie brought the paper closer. 'Eh-fa.'
'Good, Cass, that's great! Did you hear that, Dr. Delaware?
Elephant?'
I nodded. 'Terrific.'
'I don't know what you did, Dr. Delaware, but since yesterday she's been talking more. Cass, can you say elephant again?'
Cassie closed her mouth and crumpled the paper.
Cindy said, 'Oh, my,' cuddled her and stroked her cheek. Both of us watched Cassie labor to unfold the picture.
When she finally succeeded she said, 'Eh-fa!' compressed the paper again, tighter, into a fist-sized ball, then looked at it, perplexed.
Cindy said, 'Sorry, Dr. Delaware. Looks like your elephant isn't doing too well.'
'Looks like Cassie is.'
She forced a smile and nodded.
Cassie made another attempt to straighten the paper. This time, thimble-sized fingers weren't up to the task and Cindy helped her.
'There you go, honey... Yes, she's feeling great.'
Any problems with procedures?'
'There haven't been any procedures. Not since yesterday morning.
We've just been sitting here-it's.
'Something the matter?' I said.
She brought her braid forward and smoothed the fringe.
'People must think I'm crazy,' she said.
'Why do you say that?'
'I don't know. It was a stupid thing to say-I'm sorry.'
'What's the matter, Cindy?'
She turned away and played with her braid some more. Then she sat back down. Picking up the deck of cards, she passed it from hand to hand.
'It's just that.' she said, speaking so softly I had to move closer, 'I each time I bring her here she gets
