Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 85228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
"I'm going to draw so many things," Eli says as he walks in carrying a couple of tools.
"I bought extra rolls of paper just to make sure you don't run out," Aspen explains.
I was told last night that the easel we're putting together is to help with his therapy, that kids often draw the things they fear, and that it opens the door for him to discuss them with his therapist. It also allows the therapist to track his progress, as the scary things should transition to less scary things as he improves.
I get to work on opening the box as Eli helps his mom open a roll of paper. There's also a bag with nearly every medium the kid could ask for to draw with—crayons, markers, paints, and even a pallet of watercolors.
"We'll have to get one of those drop cloths before we use these," Aspen says, putting the paint and watercolors to the side.
Eli doesn't argue. I don't know if that's because he easily accepts his mother's rules or if he's too scared to argue or complain.
I pull out all of the pieces of the easel, noting just how easy this is going to be.
"That won't work," Eli says, humor in his tone when Jericho attempts to use a flathead screwdriver on the first section. "See this?"
Eli points to the end of the Phillips head screwdriver.
"They're different?" I ask, playing along with Jericho.
"This one makes a cross. Those things there also have a cross," he says, pointing to the screws. "They fit together. Watch."
I watch intently as Eli mocks using the right screwdriver with the screws.
"Now, Jericho, you hold it in place, and I'll do this part."
I don't have to look up at the man to know he's affected by his son using his road name and not calling him dad, but I keep my eyes down to give him the privacy of working through that without a witness.
"Ah," I say as a distraction as Eli works. "That makes sense now."
Eli looks like he's won a prize when the screw is fully seated.
"Is that upside down?" Jericho asks. "Damn it."
"Damn it," Eli mimics, and I have to roll my lips between my teeth to keep from cackling.
I look up at my friend and notice he's struggling not to laugh as well, his face growing beet red.
The man glances at Aspen, and I can see the motors running in his eyes as if he's worried Aspen is about to lay into him. Aspen seems to be having the same reaction I am as she tries to hide a smile.
"Hey, bud," Jericho says to get Eli's attention. "I shouldn't have said that. Damn it are grown-up words, okay?"
"Okay," Eli quickly agrees as he begins to back the screw out of the pre-drilled hole.
We move on as if nothing happened, working to complete the easel, allowing Eli to do most of the work and use his words to teach us how to do it.
"That's fantastic," I praise once the thing is complete, and we stand it up.
Eli beams as he takes in his hard work. "Do I have to wait to use it?"
"No. Of course, you can use it now," Jericho says as Aspen hands Eli a box of crayons.
We all stand back as Eli gets to work, the child being very methodical in choosing his colors and positioning the drawing.
I tilt my head to the side, trying to figure out the brown blob of color that's taking up the majority of the paper.
"Did you see that bear outside of your window?" I ask. It's not at all uncommon for bears to come sniffing around looking for unlocked trash cans.
Eli frowns as he looks back at me over his shoulder.
"Do you need glasses?" he asks with his little nose scrunched before turning around and jabbing the brown crayon at the paper. "That's a puppy."
"Do you want a puppy?" I ask to take the sting away from getting his drawing wrong.
"Jersey," Aspen snaps under her breath.
"That's actually not a bad idea," Jericho says, looking at his woman. "Caitlyn mentioned a service animal last week."
Aspen glares at him, but she doesn't argue. I can only imagine the conversations they'll have when they're alone.
"This is like the fifth time one of you has mentioned this woman. Is she like a goddess or something?"
The therapist has been the talk of the house and how great she has been with Eli since I got back last night.
"She's my best friend," Eli says, and I can't help but look at Jericho, who doesn't seem all that happy about him, considering Caitlyn a best friend.
I don't know much about attachment theory, but it sounds like this might be a case of it.
"Do you think she has a dog?" Eli asks his mom.
"I don't know," Aspen answers. "We can't even think about getting a dog until we make sure it's okay with Hemlock."