HEAL

11 -- GOING HOME

                                                  ^^^^^^^^^  Marcus ^^^^^^^^^^

Larry's assessment went off without a hitch.  Despite his early morning shenanigans, he settled, and with everyone's help, with all the staff aware that it was his assessment day, he passed with flying colours, of course he did.  He stacked the dishwasher after breakfast, and helped the cook in the kitchen.  He asked if he could help with the gardening, and that in itself earned him major brownie points.  In this house, and under these circumstances, it was expected that you ask to help, as it would only bode well for the future.  He tidied his room, put his dirty clothes in the laundry, and made his bed.  He and Marcus went to the shops, to get a few things for dinner, and Larry was asked to select the vegetables.  This was his worst moment, and the way he dealt with his impending meltdown, told Marcus more than his actions did.  Larry panicked a little when trying to decide, and it was a normal reaction for some people having suffered traumatic brain injury.  They just couldn't seem to be able to make everyday decisions for themselves, or others.  When Marcus asked him why he felt overwhelmed, Larry's answer just about floored him.  Larry wanted to choose the vegetables that he knew everyone would like, and he got upset just at the thought that someone would be sad because he had made the wrong choice.  Over vegetables !  The old Larry would have slapped this new version silly, complete with cuss words, and a dose of humiliation to boot.  

Larry set the table for dinner, placing the knives and forks on the correct side of the table mats, and after his favourite dinner of roast chicken, roast potatoes, and the aforementioned vegetables, with blueberry cheesecake for dessert, his day ended with some reading in the den with Marcus, and some gaming time with Laurent as a reward for a job well done. 

Laurent was summoned into Maddie's office the next morning while Larry was having breakfast, after saying his usual good morning to Patricia.  Marcus was already there, and as he closed the door, the two men shot a wary glance at one another, trying their best not to smirk.  Maddie, knowing much, but seeing all, caught the look between them.

"Anything I should know about, gentlemen ?"  Both men sat now, heads bowed, finger fiddling, not wanting to make eye contact with her or with each other.  No, nothing going on here, then.

""No ma'am"  they answered in unison, like schoolboys being brought before the headmistress, who awaited either a confession or an apology.  

"Hhmmm ...."  she hummed at them, disbelieving their words, but much more convinced by their body language.  It would not be the end of this particular conversation, Laurent could feel it.  

"Well"  Maddie started, her mood and her tone having completely changed in about two seconds flat, that smile of hers lighting up the room.  She could be reading you the riot act, and you would feel good about it.  "Larry passed his exit assessment with flying colours, as we all knew he would, huh Laurent ?"  She glared at him momentarily, as he nodded enthusiastically.  "He achieved every marker, and executed every everyday task we set for him to do, and more.  He was helpful, and enthusiastic, and kind.  But he proved to everyone that he is more than capable of living a more independent life now, with both of you guy's help and guidance, of course."  Marcus and Laurent stole a furtive glance at one another then, Maddie having lumped them together as a team, as mentors, as partners.  She continued.  "As long as Laurent can pass his assessment, and we get the paperwork and formalities out of the way, Larry can go home in a few days."  

"MY assessment ?" Laurent looked between Marcus and Maddie, puzzled.  What did he need to learn, be assessed on ?  He was Larry's brother, he knew him like the back of his hand.  What training did he need to know ?