August and His Giant Family.

Opening Up

Hardest about having two giant dads? Both are overly protective. Alex and Biff hover above August, watching him take the smallest bites imaginable and little baby sips of milk at the gigantic dinner table. Both giants wont't till seeing the entire toast disappear and glass emptied. August isn't honestly hungry, but his dads heard the same complain before. When highly nervous, August can't enjoy food; if Alex and Biff notice he's stress, they'll worry.

He hates making them worry. Alex watched him 24/7 while Biff teaches public school kids. Each deserve relaxation. August believes he causes unnecessary drama making the Olsen's daily lives miserable.

"What's the matter, baby?"

Crap....he knows

"N...nothing...Mr. Ol—Alex." August forcefully chews toast.

Alex's eyebrows wiggle suspiciously. "Uh huh. Feeling okay? Nervous? Scared?"

August shutters, Alex hit all weak points.

"I'm okay." He sallowed a few throat scratching crumbs. What did the heat suddenly rise? Why must Biff stalk? Why does Alex create ridiculous assignments? What's the meaning behind homeschooling if one can't escape talking? If presenting a book report to family creates crippling panic, how will a person survive public interaction? I'm selfish and an idiot! August scolds himself. His biological parents were monsters. How dare I complain?! Shows what idiot kid I am. A selfish, dumb, crybaby boy!

In the mean time, he forgot Alex's and Biff's presence. Two giants exchanged worried glances, a worried sensed between them. Neither were new to noticing children behaving oddly. Biff aids kids struggling sharing emotions, and Alex knows his son's anxiety symptoms.

First, August always chews slowly.

Second, he stutters.

Third, August stares off.

What can they do though? Alex tries and tries getting August to share whatever the bother is. But, the efforts fail either when the boy request private time or throws a massive fit. Rare, but August's outburst occur during times their child gets completely overwhelmed. The month since adoption, Alex and Biff witness two meltdowns. The original occurred after Alex told August they needed to visit the grocery store. The thought leaving home sent the scared child spiraling. The second occurrence began the day Biff's parents planned visiting. Again, the thought meeting new people caused him into full blown panic and asthma attack. Biff immediately had canceled dinner plans.

Dr. Elaine advises gentle nudges to help August embrace difficult situation. Biff worries August might get nudged too hard while Alex think pushing helps.

"If you're done, go ahead and start practicing chapter 12, math questions eleven through twenty. I'll check the answered later." Alex said giving the boy a ride to the living room table. A small desk, laptop, notebook, pencils, and school books waited August. He started doing questions, and Alex came back to Biff.

"Honey, I know you're worried." Alex said.

"Babe," Biff drank coffee, slurping obnoxiously loud. "Every damn morning he looks sad." He hated admitting the truth. "Are we failing August?"

Alex wish there was a simple answer. The hope was August showed signs of improvement, however their child keeps holding back, afraid to enjoy happiness.

"Don't know," his shook uncertain. "His awful parents destroyed the meaning behind family; there is a lot he probably hasn't told us." True, social worker Olivia October mentioned the child's parents were physically and psychologically abusive. Bruise, cigarette burns, and scares were discovered marking the child's body. Specific details weren't discussed thoroughly discussed.