Continued from “All Of A Sudden...”

Matthew sprawls in a beanbag.  Another student lounges an a nearby carpet square.

I only rate a glance when I enter the room.

It's lunch time.  I'm visiting a third, occasionally highly anxious student who is in a full inclusion program.  Zachary stops in for quiet during lunch when he needs it.  

He is not here today.  Good!  He is calm and mingling with classmates in the cafeteria.

Matthew's teacher takes the opportunity to chat.

     " It's probably been a while since you worked with Matthew."

She directs her next words to Matthew. 

     "Do you remember Ms. Block?"

Several moments pass.  Matthew has language now but for him it is still a slow, cumbersome medium. 

     "Yes."

     "Who is Ms. Block?"

What will he make of that question?  A teacher?  From before?  I don't know?

Several minutes pass.  Matthew gazes at me quietly.

     "A friend."

And so we are.

Continued to “The Rift”