Beyond Words: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Autism

Ch. 4: Shadow of Change

TEN MONTHS LATER...

Jonathan sat in the back seat of his parents' car after they picked him up from Uncle David and Aunt Deborah's house. This time, he was allowed to spend one night at his uncle and aunt's house while his parents had other business and couldn't accompany him, hoping to have more time playing with Asher. However, this visit with Asher hadn't gone as he had hoped. Jonathan's enthusiasm dampened as they drove away from the neighborhood where his uncle and aunt's house was located and entered the highway. He clutched the new set of visual cards he had made, which had been barely used during their time together.

"You're awfully quiet back there, buddy," his father said, glancing at Jonathan through the rearview mirror. "Everything okay?"

Jonathan sighed, looking out the window at the passing scenery. "Asher seemed really tired yesterday and today. He didn't want to paint or look at my new cards. We barely did anything."

His mother turned in her seat to face him, her expression soft with understanding. "Everyone has off days, sweetie. Maybe Asher just hasn't been sleeping well lately."

"I guess," Jonathan mumbled, unconvinced. He'd been looking forward to this visit for weeks, eagerly preparing new games and visual jokes. But Asher had seemed distracted and lethargic, barely engaging with Jonathan's attempts to play.

"Did Uncle David or Aunt Deborah say anything about Asher not feeling well?" his father asked.

Jonathan shook his head. "They just said he was a little tired. But he's never been like this before. What if... what if he doesn't want to play with me anymore?"

"Oh, honey, no," his mother reassured him quickly. "Asher loves spending time with you. I'm sure he was just having an off day. Next time will be better."

Jonathan nodded, trying to believe her words. He looked down at the cards in his hands, colorful and full of potential fun that hadn't materialized. "Yeah, next time," he echoed softly.

The rest of the ride home was quiet, Jonathan lost in thought about the subdued visit. He tried to shake off his worry, reminding himself that everyone got tired sometimes. Still, a small knot of concern lingered in his stomach.

Two weeks passed, and Jonathan eagerly anticipated his next visit with Asher. He had spent the time creating even more visual games, determined to make up for the last visit.

One afternoon, just after he returned from school, he met his mother sitting in the living room near the telephone, with a pen and paper in her hands.

"Mom, when are we going to visit Asher again? I've got so many new things to show him!"

His mother's hands stilled over the pen she was holding. She turned to face Jonathan, and he immediately sensed that something was wrong.

"Sweetheart," she began, her voice gentle, "we might not be able to visit Asher for a while."

Jonathan's excitement deflated instantly. "But why? Is it because he was tired last time? I promise I won't tire him out this time!"

His mother shook her head, signaling Jonathan to sit on the sofa beside her. As Jonathan sat next to her, she took his small hands in hers.

"It's not because of that, honey. Asher is... well, he's undergoing some treatment right now. He needs to rest a lot."

Jonathan's brow furrowed in confusion. "Treatment? Like when I had to take medicine for my ear infection?"

"Something like that," his mother nodded, though her eyes held a sadness that Jonathan couldn't quite understand. "It turns out that Asher is sick, which is probably why he was so tired during your last visit."

A cold feeling spread through Jonathan's chest. "Sick? What's wrong with him? Is it serious?"

His mother hesitated, clearly wrestling with how much to tell him. "It's... it's a bit more serious than an ear infection, sweetie. The doctors are doing everything they can to help him get better."

"But what does he have?" Jonathan pressed, his voice rising with worry. "Why won't you tell me?"

"Oh, Jonathan," his mother sighed, pulling him into a hug. "I know you're worried. Right now, what's important is that Asher is getting the best care possible. We need to be patient and hope for the best."

Jonathan clung to his mother, his mind racing. He remembered Asher's unusual tiredness, the lack of enthusiasm for their usual activities. It all made sense now, but that understanding brought no comfort.

"Will he be okay?" Jonathan asked, his voice muffled against his mother's shoulder.

"We have to believe he will be," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "The doctors are working very hard to make him better."

As they sat there, Jonathan in his mother's embrace, he tried to process what he'd learned. Asher was sick - really sick. But surely the doctors would make him better, right? They had to.

"Can I make him a get-well card?" Jonathan asked suddenly, pulling back to look at his mother. "Maybe if I make it really colorful, with lots of pictures, it'll help him feel better."

His mother smiled, though her eyes were suspiciously shiny. "That's a wonderful idea, sweetheart. I'm sure Asher would love that."

Jonathan nodded, determination replacing some of his worry. He might not be able to visit Asher right now, but he could still do something to help. He'd make the best, most colorful get-well card ever.

As he ran off to gather his art supplies, Jonathan pushed away the lingering fear in the back of his mind. Everything would be okay. It had to be. Asher would get better, and soon they'd be painting and laughing together again.