The first week at home with Donna, Matthew, and Maisey was a whirlwind of emotions. JJ and Spencer had taken time off work, determined to provide a stable and nurturing environment as the children adjusted to their new lives. The reality of their commitment weighed heavily on their shoulders, but both were fueled by love and hope.
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(Day 1)
The moment they stepped into the house, Matthew and Maisey clung to each other, wide-eyed and unsure. Donna trailed behind, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, her gaze darting around the unfamiliar space.
"Let's make this our home," JJ encouraged, kneeling down to the twins' level. "How about we decorate your rooms together?"
"Okay," Matthew replied cautiously, though his protective instincts flared. "But can we keep the door locked? Just in case?"
"Of course," Spencer interjected, sensing the anxiety behind the request. "We'll make sure you feel safe here."
JJ smiled reassuringly, then turned to Donna, who was quietly spinning in place. "Donna, do you want to help us pick out some decorations for your room too?"
"Coloring!" Donna exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. JJ knew that engaging her with activities she loved could help ease the transition.
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(Day 2)
As the week progressed, the children's individual struggles became more apparent. Maisey often woke up from nightmares, her cries echoing through the house. JJ would rush to her side, wrapping her arms around the small frame. "It's okay, sweetie. You're safe now," she would whisper, brushing the hair from Maisey's forehead.
Matthew, on the other hand, exhibited a fierce protectiveness over his siblings. When a neighbor's dog barked loudly outside, he immediately rushed to shield Donna, pushing her behind him. "Stay back! It might hurt you!" he shouted, his voice tinged with fear.
"Matthew, it's okay," Spencer said gently, kneeling next to him. "The dog is just barking. It can't hurt you. You're safe here with us."
Matthew's breathing slowed, though he still didn't fully let his guard down. "Promise?" he asked, looking up at Spencer with wide, earnest eyes.
"Promise," Spencer replied, his heart aching for the boy's anxiety.
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(Day 3)
Donna's behavior also fluctuated. While she found comfort in coloring and stimming, moments would arise when she felt overwhelmed. One afternoon, as JJ and Spencer prepared lunch, Donna suddenly began to flap her hands and let out high-pitched screeches, clearly in distress.
"JJ, what's happening?" Spencer asked, alarmed.
"She's having a meltdown," JJ replied, recalling what she'd learned about Donna's autism. "It's okay. I just need to help her through it."
JJ knelt beside Donna, who was now on the floor, her breathing quickening. "Donna, look at me," she said softly, maintaining a calm tone. "You're safe. I'm right here. Let's breathe together, okay?"
As JJ demonstrated deep, steady breaths, Donna's flapping slowed, though she still rocked back and forth. "In... and out... just like this," JJ encouraged, gently guiding her.
Spencer joined in, matching JJ's rhythm, his presence a grounding force. Gradually, Donna began to mimic their breathing, the tension slowly dissipating from her body.
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(Day 4)
That evening, the exhaustion of the week hit all four of them. JJ and Spencer had worked hard to create a schedule, balancing structure with flexibility, but the weight of their new roles was palpable.
After dinner, they gathered in the living room, surrounded by coloring books and toys. Matthew and Maisey sat close together, their bond evident as they whispered about their day. Donna, however, seemed distant, her eyes glazed over as she traced patterns in the air.
"Donna?" JJ said gently, kneeling beside her. "Would you like to color with us?" Donna didn't respond, as she seemed lost in her own world, and JJ knew that sometimes, that was okay too. "Okay," JJ said, respecting her space. She glanced at Spencer, who nodded in understanding. They continued to color, allowing Donna the freedom to retreat when she needed to.
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(Day 5)
The days passed, and JJ and Spencer learned more about the children's dynamics. Matthew's protectiveness turned into moments of aggression when he felt cornered. During a trip to the park, he fiercely defended Donna from another child who accidentally bumped into her.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" he yelled, stepping in front of his sister and pushing the boy to the ground.
"Matthew, hey, hey, hey it's okay!" JJ called, hurrying over. "The other kid didn't mean to bump into her, it was an accident. We need to stay calm, remember."
Matthew's fists were clenched, his face flushed with emotion. "But she's little! She needs me!"
"Donna is safe with us," Spencer interjected, kneeling beside Matthew. "But it's important to talk about how we feel. Let's take a deep breath together."
After several breaths, Matthew's tension eased. JJ felt a sense of pride as she watched him relax. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, looking at the other child. "I didn't mean to shout."
"It's okay," the child replied, confused but understanding. The two went back to playing until both families left an hour later.
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(Day 6)
By the end of the week, they had formed a fragile routine, yet challenges remained. On a particularly trying day, Donna had a meltdown after losing a toy. JJ instinctively dropped everything to comfort her, wrapping her arms around her tightly.
"Shhh, it's okay. We'll find it together," JJ said soothingly, feeling Donna tremble against her.
Spencer stepped in, helping to search the area. "Do you remember where you had it last, Donna?"
"Out!" she cried, her voice breaking as she continued to sob.
Together, they headed outside, the warmth of the sun contrasting with the turmoil within. They searched the yard, and after a few moments, Spencer spotted the toy tucked under a bush. "Is this what you were looking for?" he asked gently, holding it out to her.
Donna squealed, her face lighting up. JJ watched with a mix of relief and joy as Donna's emotions shifted.
"See? We found it," JJ said, embracing her once more. "You did great."
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(Day 7)
By the end of the week, JJ and Spencer felt a sense of accomplishment, even as they navigated the complexities of the children's emotional needs. As they settled down for the evening, JJ took a moment to reflect.
"Spence, it's been a lot, hasn't it?" she said, her voice soft.
"Yeah, but we're getting there," he replied, a warm smile on his face. "And we're doing it together."
JJ looked over at the children, who were now coloring and watching tv happily side by side. "I think we can help them heal. It won't be easy, but I believe in us."
"Me too," Spencer agreed, squeezing her hand.
Together, they knew they could create a loving, safe home for Donna, Matthew, and Maisey—a place where they could all heal and grow, one day at a time.
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