A couple of days later, Maggie was able to come off the ventilator. When that happened, Debby and Josh were ecstatic.
"Hi, Bug," Debby said. "We've missed you so much!"
Maggie didn't understand what had happened. One minute it was dark and the next she was in a hospital with Mama and Papa telling her how much they missed her. She couldn't find the words to tell them she missed them, too. The monsters took her words.
Tyler and Jenna brought Rosie to visit now that Maggie was awake and improving.
"Hi Maggie!" Rosie said excitedly the first morning she was allowed to visit. Maggie watched the younger girl hop up onto her bed. Rosie handed Maggie a picture.
"I drawed this for you! It's Jim and me! And a happy sun because we're happy you're better."
Maggie smiled.
"Maggie," Papa said. "What do you say when someone gives you something?"
Maggie tried to form the words. Her lips did, but her voice didn't.
"Maggie's voice still needs to wake up," Josh smiled at Rosie.
Rosie didn't care. Her best friend was getting better. Which meant she could come over and play again soon!
Debby and Josh were concerned she couldn't speak. The doctors said it was possible that her vocal cords needed to adjust. But it was frustrating for Maggie because she would mouth the words she wanted to say, but her voice wouldn't come.
When the doctors were sure that Maggie seemed well enough, she was finally allowed to go home. Since she went home on a Thursday morning, Josh and Debby kept her home from school Thursday afternoon and Friday, preparing her for her return on Monday. She still wasn't speaking.
Debby would give her two choices and Maggie could pick one or two. It worked. But how would it work at school?
"I want a samich pleze," Maggie handed Debby a piece of drawing paper she'd written on.
"You're hungry, hey Bug?" She asked. Maggie nodded.
"What kind of sandwich do you want? Peanut butter or tuna?"
Maggie thought and put up two fingers.
"Tuna?" Debby confirmed. Maggie nodded.
"Okay, Bug. One tuna sandwich coming up. Want cucumber on it?"
Maggie nodded. Debby smiled at her. The doctors weren't sure how long she'd be mute. They didn't think it would be forever. But was it physical or psychological? No one knew. Debby had made a follow up appointment with Dr. Kate, but let her know that Maggie currently seemed unable to speak.
Josh and Debby did their best to encourage Maggie to speak, but she didn't seem able.
Debby was lying on Maggie's bed, reading her a story and cuddling with her. Maggie looked up at Debby and smiled.
"What's up, Bug? What's on your mind, huh?"
Maggie shrugged.
Debby kissed her on the forehead.
"Who took your voice, huh Bug?"
Maggie made a face and claws.
"The monsters?" Debby asked. Maggie nodded.
"Oh, Bug. I'm so sorry. We'll get through this, huh? Papa and I are here for you and we'll figure things out. Okay?"
Maggie nodded and snuggled closer to Debby.
YOU ARE READING
Magnolia Blooms
FanfictionMagnolia (known to family and friends as Maggie) is seven years old. Two years ago, her life was changed when she was tossed out of her parents car, in a garbage bag. She was found by none other than Josh Dun of the band twentyone pilots. She was a...
