Carter Villa buzzed with excitement. Everyone crowded Jeremy, eager to hear him speak. He managed a few sounds, his ears flushing crimson with shyness. Overwhelmed, he hid behind Becky, falling silent.
Hayden secretly filmed the whole thing and sent it to the Hoggard family group chat. At Hoggard Manor, Jason erupted, showing his wife the video on repeat. Jack and Audrey watched, overjoyed yet tinged with a wistful jealousy; Jeremy had rushed to Becky instead of them after the hospital. Still, they replayed the video endlessly, finding unexpected work motivation.
The group chat remained unusually quiet. Everyone watched, unwilling to disturb Hayden. Their focus shifted: Hayden and Becky. Despite a touch of sibling rivalry, they were thrilled at the prospect of the two together. Becky, they knew, was dependable.
Hayden, outwardly calm but inwardly ecstatic, hadn't checked the group chat. Jeremy, close and reliant on Hayden, had stubbornly refused to speak for him, only opening up to Becky and the Carters.
Stacey noticed Jeremy's growing shyness. "Okay, everyone," she announced, "let's not pressure him. He needs time." Jeremy, peeking from behind Becky, nodded. The adults complied, but Lillian and Kevin's eyes shone.
"Jeremy, you can talk!" Lillian squealed.
"Amazing!" Kevin added.
Shy with adults, Jeremy found his confidence with the younger children, readily replying, "Yes!" Stacey gently reminded them, "He needs rest." The children, eyes wide, obeyed, though their fascinated gaze remained.
Hayden and Jeremy's old room was ready. Exhausted, Hayden slumped after the long day. Stacey quickly whisked them upstairs, tidying their room.
Watching Becky and Hayden, Jeremy longed to join Becky. He searched for his writing tablet, remembering Hayden had taken it to encourage speech. He struggled, silent.
Stacey, meticulous in her cleaning, smiled. "Let me know if you need anything."
"Okay," Hayden replied, nodding. Jeremy beamed.
"Rest," Stacey urged.
"You working today?" Hayden asked.
Stacey shook her head. "The Zentiscape ceremony's in a few days, and I promised Charlie I'd go."
Hayden nodded. "We'll come too. I'm on vacation, and it's good for Jeremy."
Stacey stared. "Really? I thought it might be too much…"
Hayden chuckled. "Nonsense. It'll be good for him."