Caring for Carers - Minizerk

Chapter 2

Josh was very, very lucky concerning the temperament of the two boys that had been allocated his house thus far, he concluded upon reaching the end of Vikram's - sorry, Vik's report.

Vik was a far more 'able' child than Ethan, academically. He could speak, but chose not to unless entirely comfortable with the company kept. He struggled more socially, in terms of communication with others and carrying out everyday tasks, such as cleaning, or things such as going to the shops, two things Ethan was more than able to do with a level of assistance.

It was hoped that by housing the two 16 year olds together, they would be able to help each other develop, Ethan academically and Vik socially. Due to Ethan's oral dyspraxia and echolalia, he would never be able to deliver entire coherent sentences, so Vik's use of Makaton due to his social anxiety could potentially help Ethan to have a voice of sorts, one that could say what he wanted directly, rather than repeating what he was asked.

Vik was the type of child that would eventually be pushed into supported living in adult life by the system, but fortunately there were 2 years before this change into adult living was necessary. Vik was also already at The Yew Tree, having lived in House 1 since the age of 10, when he joined the school. It was decided that he should move to experience the calmer, more domestic experience House 4 was going to attempt to provide for their children.

It was also decided that Vik would be allowed to carry his own set of keys to House 4, attached to the loop of his jeans. He likes the sound keys make when he walks, the jangling soothing him when stressed and in public - though of course he would never go anywhere outside unaccompanied. The keys help to prevent Vik from stimming too loudly and drawing attention to himself, something he absolutely hates.

When he moves in, Vik will also be doing work experience at the local train station, something can't help but Josh find adorable, for reasons unbeknownst to him.

In contrast to Ethan, Vik's family want nothing to do with him, so of course, Josh sets his mind into action regarding upcoming holidays already. He knows all too well what it feels like to be estranged on holidays like Christmas, and he doesn't want a kid like Vik, with all that potential to burn out.

It feels bad to say it, but it would almost be easier for Ethan to be the one the family wants nothing to do with - he's seen it happen often enough. Vik's got the disadvantage of understanding everything his family says, without having the ability to respond and defend himself. Well, he has the ability to but he can't communicate it.

Josh decides that this Christmas, they're all going to give Vik that loving family he's never had, if it's the last thing he does. However, there's time to think of the logistics of that later.

He gets up and puts Ethan and Vik's files into the cabinet in the office, pulling out the blue-tac to stick their meds times above it, moving out into the hallway to pin both boys' activity planners to the wall. He feels at least a little more settled, knowing that something important had been achieved, and stands gazing softly at the wall, wondering what is to come.

A doorbell ringing pulls him from his thoughts, and he turns to answer it, swiping his card against the scanner so the unlocking of the door is authorised. Swinging the door open, he is brought face to face with his childhood best friend, and fellow carer Tobi.

"Hey man", Tobi greets, moving into the house as Josh shuts the door behind him, nodding in acknowledgement of him.

"As much as I'd love to chat, we've both got stuff to be getting on with right now. Maybe after?" Josh inquires, head thrown over his shoulder to look at his friend whilst walking in the direction of the office.

"Sounds good to me."

"Right, okay, so you're a keyworker, yeah? I'm assigning you to Vik, because of your experience using Makaton and your knowledge of BSL. I also reckon the kid could do with someone he recognises from school when he first moves here, so that he settles more easily." Josh said, taking a seat in the chair nearest the window, gesturing Tobi to sit in the chair opposite him.