Pattie sat beside James, her lips trembling as she tried to follow his lead. The


    whole living room seemed to hold its breath, every eye fixed on her, a cocktail of hope and worry swirling in the air. She opened her mouth, willing the words toe, but nothing happened.


    Anastasia and Herman tensed, their faces etched with concern. Pattie felt her eyes sting, panic rising as she looked helplessly at her parents.


    No sound. Not even a whisper.


    Anastasia forced a gentle smile, her voice soft but shaky. "It''s okay, honey. Don''t rush. We''ll take it slow. Try saying ''mom'' for me, alright? Ma...ma.....”


    She was holding herself together by a thread. She had to stay strong for Pattie— she couldn''t fall apart first.


    Herman''s jaw was clenched so tight it looked painful. "Pattie, sweetheart, don''t be scared. We''re right here. Let''s try again, okay? Say ''dad''—just once, for me.”


    It was the first time they''d ever taught their eldest daughter how to speak.


    When Emmie and Nancy were learning to talk, Anastasia and Herman had been there for every word, every stumble, every giggle. But Pattie had grown up apart from them—they''d missed her first steps, her first words, missed feeding her applesauce with a baby spoon, missed tucking her in after bedtime stories.


    Anastasia had always regretted not being there for those moments. Now, life had handed her a second chance-but under circumstances she''d never wished for.


    She would have given anything just to see Pattie healthy and whole, with no need for this painful do-over.


    Her nose prickled, and she felt herself teetering on the edge of tears.


    Katelyn and Feiman sat in silence, afraid to even breathe too loud.


    Salma wiped at her eyes. "Come on, Pattie, give it another try, sweetheart." Nancy and Emmie balled their little fists, voices piping up. "You can do it, sis!"


    With her family cheering her on, Pattie wiped her cheeks and nodded, summoning her courage for another shot.


    She opened her mouth, and the whole house seemed to freeze-the air heavy with anticipation, every nce glued to her.


    Still nothing. Pattie was so nervous, so desperate, and it had been so long since she''d spoken that her muscles just wouldn''t cooperate.


    Herman and Anastasia were ready to scoop her up andfort her, when suddenly—a raspy, broken sound cut through the silence.


    "...Da...dad... Daddy... Ma...mommy..."


    The words were rough, nearly a croak, but unmistakable.


    Herman and Anastasia stared at each other, joy and disbelief warring on their faces.


    "She said it! Pattie, you did it!" Salma nearly squealed, tripping over her own excitement.


    Anastasia''s eyes shone with tears. "Do it again, sweetie. Say it again just once more."


    Pattie''s voice was scratchy, almostical, but to her family, it sounded like music. She tried again, and this time it came a little easier.


    1413


    "Ma...mommy. Daddy. Grandma.


    Little sister. Little brother. Nana. Grandpa. James..."


    She called out each family member, in the order they mattered to her.


    Katelyn swallowed, a little hurt ating after Salma, but she hid it behind a smile.


    Herman couldn''t help himself-he kissed Pattie''s forehead. "You''re amazing, Pattie. I''m so proud of you."


    Anastasia pressed a kiss to her cheek, her voice thick with love. "Mommy loves you, sweetheart."


    Emmie and Nancy bounced in ce. "Sis, can we give you a kiss too?"


    "Me too!"


    Pattie crouched down, and the two little girls nted noisy kisses on her cheeks, grinning from ear to ear.


    Salma dabbed her eyes. "As long as you can speak, everything else is just a bonus."


    James gave her a warm smile. "Pattie, you need to take it easy on your voice. Go slow. And stay away from anything spicy for a while, alright?"


    Pattie hugged him tight, beaming up at him. "Thank you, James. I want to keep learning from you. I want to help people, too."


    James looked proud. "As long as you want to learn, I''ll teach you everything I know."


    Feiman pped his hands. "This calls for a party! Drinks are on me tonight-l could set off fireworks, I''m so happy!"


    After all, Pattie was the Salstroms'',


    oldest daughter, and Herman had always dreamed she''d one day take over the family business. Anything to do with Pattie was headline news.


    Herman was so overjoyed that he announced the creation of a charity in Pattie''s name to help kids in need, and gave every employee at hispany a massive bonus-one whole month''s sry. The mood in the whole city was electric


    Word about Pattie Salstrom speaking again spread like wildfire.


    When Juliana visited Layna at Westwood Academy, she brought the news with


    her.


    "That Paradise girl sure has some luck. She''s talking again."


    Layna''s jealousy was obvious. "That mute girl? She can talk now? How did that happen?"