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Chapter: A Day of Courage
The morning light slipped into Billie’s room, soft and golden. She stirred slowly under her weighted blanket, still worn out from therapy and the meltdowns of the week. Her body felt heavy, but she could hear Odessa humming gently in the kitchen. The sound made her heart beat faster in a good way. Odessa was always there.
Billie grabbed her AAC device from the nightstand, pressing the button that said: Good morning. When Odessa peeked her head in, she grinned.
“Morning, my love,” Odessa said softly, padding over to sit beside her on the bed. She reached out and rubbed Billie’s arm gently, then signed: How are you feeling today?
Billie tapped her AAC: Tired. But safe. She followed it with a small hand flap, her stim of excitement.
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After breakfast, Maggie suggested something different: a walk to the nearby park. Billie froze at the word. Change. Unexpected change. Her heart raced. She looked to Odessa for reassurance.
Odessa signed quickly: We don’t have to. But maybe fresh air could help. I’ll stay right beside you. We’ll bring your defenders, fidgets, and blanket.
Billie hesitated, pulling at her sleeves, but nodded slowly. She trusted Odessa.
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At the park, Billie clung to Odessa’s hand tightly. Her ear defenders muted the harsh chatter of kids and dogs barking, but the flickering sunlight through the trees was still overwhelming. She started twitching her shoulder, then her arm. Her vocal tic burst out:
“Stop-stop-stop!”
A stranger turned their head, frowning. Billie’s chest tightened. She pressed herself closer to Odessa, panic bubbling.
Odessa immediately knelt in front of her, ignoring everyone else. Look at me. Just me. Breathe with my hands, she signed, showing Billie the “balloon” breathing exercise Naomi had taught them.
Billie tried. Her tics interrupted—head jerks, loud blurts of “Stop it! No! Safe, safe!”—but Odessa matched her rhythm patiently. She rubbed circles into Billie’s palm until the storm eased.
Finally, Billie leaned into Odessa’s chest, exhausted. Odessa kissed the top of her head. “You did so well. You came back.”
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When they got home, Billie collapsed onto the couch with her blanket, stimming with relief now. She tapped her AAC: I hate people staring.
Odessa signed: I know. They don’t understand. But I do. And your family does. You are never alone in it.
Billie’s lips twitched into the smallest smile. She signed back: Love you.
Odessa froze for a moment, her heart pounding. She smiled wide and kissed Billie’s hands. I love you too.
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That evening, Billie’s parents surprised her with her favorite dinner—pasta with garlic bread—quietly celebrating how brave she’d been at the park. Even though she was tired, Billie stimmed happily the whole meal, her feet bouncing under the table and her hands flapping when Odessa smiled at her.
Later, Odessa ran a warm bath for her, covering her casts in protective wraps. Billie giggled through her stims when the bubbles fizzed, splashing Odessa with her feet until they were both laughing.
When Billie finally curled into bed, her head on Odessa’s chest, she signed one last thought before falling asleep: Today was hard. But I did it.
Odessa signed back softly: Yes, you did. And tomorrow, you’ll do it again. I’ll always be here.
YOU ARE READING
mute
Fanfictionbillie has severe autism and is mute. as she grows old she meets a friend. Billie is always bullied in school for being mute and having Tourette's.
