Contemplative Sensitivity

Families

Martha and John had adopted Erwin and Levi. They left the orphanage as brothers. Cecily and Mike were adopted by the Dwyers, and they didn't live too far from the Browns. The four children would never been separate.

They officially became family.

When Erwin and Levi arrived to their new home, they were both taken aback by the smallness of it. The Browns lived in a one story, three bedroom, two bathroom home that also had a small backyard. The boys had separate rooms, much to Erwin's surprise; he never had his own room before. And their rooms weren't a mile long like in the orphanage.

"This is new," Erwin muttered on their first day. Levi held on to his hand and was recoiling from Martha's affections.

"Oh, Levi," she said softly. "Don't worry. We will help you find your voice."

The first week of their arrival, the Browns signed up for family therapy. Erwin liked the psychologist, Dr. Pixis. At that time, Dr. Pixis was in his mid thirties with a prematurely receding hairline. But he was nice.

"How do you feel, little Erwin?" Dr. Pixis asked him one day.

"I feel okay," Erwin said simply. "I'm just trying to get used to it."

"That's such a good attitude, little Erwin." 

Levi took part of the therapy or at least the Browns wanted him to but Levi, five weeks into the therapy sessions he still refused to speak. Frustrated, John forced Levi to see a speech therapist. Levi hated it.

"Levi," Erwin said gently. The boys were playing inside of Levi's room. "Why don't you talk to me? Try talking to me first and maybe you won't be afraid to talk to others."

Cecily and Mike came over to play every weekend. Cecily, who had been sour and angered the day of their adoption had softened and returned to her competitive self. Mike constantly drawled that Cecily was more of a nightmare now that they were officially brother and sister, but he was happy that she had softened towards the Dwyers.

"She and Desmonia are best friends, guys," Mike said sarcastically one weekend. "She almost called her 'Mommy'."

One morning, about five months later, Erwin came up to Martha and for the first time called her 'Mommy'. It was during breakfast and both John and Martha's backs were turned. Levi was still sleeping (he and Erwin still slept together), and Erwin was curious as to what was being cooked.

"Mommy, what's for breakfast," he said it naturally.

Martha whipped around and gave Erwin a strange look—as if she was going to cry. John looked at each of them and smiled. 

"Your mommy is making blueberry pancakes."

Martha squeezed him and kissed his forehead. "My son," she whispered softly. "I've only wanted to hear such words. Erwin, my child—thank you."

About a month after that miracle, the Dwyers came over to discuss the schooling options (up until that point the four had been home schooled). Mike and Erwin were eager to attend normal school and to be around other children, but Cecily was aghast.

"I wanna stay home with Desmonia," she mumbled.

"That's so odd," Mike shook his head. "You've changed a lot these past six months. Cecily...are you happy that you've been adopted? It seems like it."

Erwin tensed. Mike appeared to be teasing Cecily but it was almost as if her answer would make or break something between them. Levi sat there indifferently.

"I still remember my real mommy, Mike." Cecily said darkly. "I will never forget my real mommy's face. I haven't changed."

"She's right," Erwin said. He looked at Cecily and offered her a coy smile. "She's still spoiled and mean."