Breakthrough, for who?

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The day starts off better than it did yesterday but still difficult as Steve chases Mary around the bathroom and tries to get her ready. It's been a difficult process.

"Mary, can you open your mouth... no, don't bite the toothbrush!" He quickly said as she opened her mouth and chomped down on it.

She ran around, pulling out baskets and wriggling out of his grip every time he caught up. She ran on her tippy toes and bounced on the spot before changing directions and grabbing at something else. Her arms flapped around between her tiny path of destruction but steve could sense no frustration. She seemed to be in a great mood.

"No, no, no, ducks are only for bath time", he lunged forward before she could pull the small basket of toys from the shelf.

He got there just too late and they all fell into the bath with a crash. He turned to see Mary with her hands over her ears and completely still. Judging her features for a moment, hoping she didn't have a meltdown he didn't now what to do. And then, without her face changing, she put her hands down and carried on with her destruction.

The morning has been quicker than usual, but he doesn't know how because it feels as if he's ran a marathon. In fact running a marathon would be ten times easier right now. Trying to keep up with her, making sure she doesn't get hurt, and cleaning up everyone as she does it should be a new sport. He cant imagine how two or even one parent households can do this every day.

"Okay, time for clothes. Arms", he says and tries to grab her shirt mid-run.

She lifts her arms and runs away as it slides over her head.

"Okay, you need a new top", he runs back to grab it and catches a shampoo bottle before it can hit the floor.

It goes on surprisingly easy so he lets her play with the bath plug whilst he puts her leggings on.

"Lovely", he says, more to himself than anything.

She's sat on the floor, dressed for the day and it didn't even take that long. He leads her out of the bathroom, looking more flushed than he'd like to admit from the exercise and he stops her in the hall, pointing up at her routine.

"So, we've just done breakfast, teeth, and getting dressed".

He moves the little icon to the next strip of Velcro so she knows whats already happened and then he points to the things next in line.

"Now we're going to play with your basketball set and then it will be time for lunch".

She makes no indication that shes listened to anything but Steve knows that means nothing. She could have been listening to every word. He'll find out at some point.

But for now they go into the living room and he picks up the little inflatable balls and Mary immediately starts clapping. She did know, he thinks.

He stands back and throws it at the hoop, getting it in first try.

"Yes! High five", his hand comes up but she just looks at it. "Here".

He raises her own hand and gently taps his against it.

"That's a high five".

She gets a ball and throws it, it misses badly but she runs straight over to pick it up and throws it from where it lands. She does it over and over again until she gets it in and they go through the whole high five process again.

"You've almost got it, I can tell", he tells her as she runs away to get the ball again.

"What are we playing?" Clint asks as he rounds the corner into the room.

You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: Sep 06 ⏰

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