Mikhail reluctantly read to me from his school reader. Or rather, I read to him and he parroted the words back. And this was my little boy who knew all of his
letters, shapes, colours and numbers by the age of two! Nathaniel meanwhile, finished with his pasting, thrust several Mr. Men books in my hand. I read them to him, enjoying his enthusiasm.
Then Will had to relinquish the T.V. as the boys resumed their morning activities, watching Winnie-the-Pooh and listening to KISS. I brought them their afternoon tea of biscuits and cordial, helping myself to a couple of biscuits whilst reading my novel. I was used to blocking out the unharmonious din, as long as the boys weren’t distressed. So far, it had been a relatively good day in that regard. A while later, Will set off to McDonalds. He just had to cross over vacant land for a little way. Soon, he returned. The boys were thrilled with their burgers and chips. I sat with them whilst they ate at the table, vaguely hoping that Nathaniel didn’t think this was a reward for breaking the eggs. Bath time followed. I sang to them as I bathed them. Then there was the toothpaste song so they would let me brush their teeth. Finally, bedtime. I looked at their clean, flushed little faces and felt a rush of love as I kissed them. “Good night, sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite. And Mummy loves you.” I was fortunate that, unlike many autistic children, mine slept through the night. I gorged on my Maccas meal, followed by some well-hidden chocolate, whilst devouring my book. And thus, more than sated, I brushed my teeth and eased myself into sleep.
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