The Telepath's Daughter

Joyful Things Take Flight

The Reids were on the march.

Ana walked, head lowered, brows glowering, one forearm bracing her swelling abdomen. Spencer kept pace and wondered why the old doctor hadn't bothered to acknowledge their arrival in his town. Reid had at least expected a telepathic welcome of some sort. It was all very puzzling. Part of him wanted to restrain Ana and suggest they rest for a while before initiating an encounter, but the emotional heat Reid was sensing as it roiled around his wife in waves made him believe that support and protection were wiser courses than counseling. Besides, she seemed to be stoking the fires of her anger into ever higher flames the closer they got to the hospital. If he impeded her progress in any way, Reid feared he might get singed in the backlash.

Ana's thoughts were muttering and mumbling. It wasn't until they reached the hospital doors that she sent out a clarion clear call. Doctor! Where are you? It's me...the EMPATH.

Empath. Welcome. You, too, telepath. The deep resonance of the old man's communication fairly dripped power. Reid felt Ana pull back a little. But just a little.

Doctor, do you know what you've put me through with your innuendo and hints? What you've put us through?!? Do you!!?

Yes.

Halfway across the lobby, Reid and Ana halted, stunned. The simplicity of the doctor's reply, the complete ownership of any and all consequences, robbed the young couple of their forward momentum. Ana recovered first.

Then why...

Why did I let you worry yourself almost sick?

Yes...why...

Because it was necessary in order to ensure your son's mental health.

The ensuing silence went on long enough for the hospital's receptionist to clear her throat and nod at the Reids. "Do you need me to show you to the doctor's office?"

"Uh, no, thanks. I remember the way." Reid took his wife's hand.

Spencer, that receptionist talked out loud. She knew I can't 'hear' everyone the way you can.

Maybe she was just being polite and does that for everyone.

Ana shivered. I have a feeling they know a lot about us that we don't. I'm scared.

Me, too...

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hotch had hurried Melinda away from the edge of the darkening forest, but he allowed her to take her time walking back toward Millie's. The girl was craning to see in all directions, her face beaming with joy. Every so often she'd turn her smile toward Aaron and squeeze his hand as though inviting him to participate in whatever she found so enchanting. Hotch could only guess.

"City of rainbows, Mellie?"

"Uh-huh," Melinda bounced on the balls of her feet, unable to contain her enthusiasm. "And it's like music, too."

"Music?"

"All the thinking. It's like all these people fit together and it's not noise anymore, Uncle Aaron. It's music." Tears began to fill Melinda's honey-colored eyes. "Oh, I wish you could hear it, too!"

Hotch felt his own eyes moisten. He returned his goddaughter's smile, but his was tinged with sadness. "It's not safe for me. You'll just have to hear it for both of us."

Melinda nodded and went back to watching the colored, cascading auras that denoted ESP-ers of varying power inhabiting the town. When she gasped and stared skyward, Hotch followed her gaze. A medium-sized bird, dove-gray with a speckled, lemon-yellow breast darted through the evening sky, heading for its nighttime roost. Aaron looked from girl to bird and back again.