The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

A birthday party wasn't just about cake and candles-it was practically a public announcement. Everyone, both inside and outside their circle, would know. They'd know she was the eldest daughter of the Salstrom family, and they'd know... she couldn't speak.

Pattie hesitated, signing with her hands: Dad, I'm mute. Won't I embarrass you and Mom at the party?

The Salstrom family's eldest daughter, mute. People would talk. Her parents would have to hear the whispers for weeks.

Pattie understood how things worked now.

Herman reached out, gently ruffling Pattie's hair. "You're our pride, sweetheart. Our precious girl. How could you ever embarrass us? We're proud of you. Always."

Pattie blinked up at him, searching his face: Really? Dad, did you remember everything?

Herman shook his head with a gentle smile. "Not everything, honey. But that doesn't change how much I love you, your brother and sister, or your mom...'

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He explained patiently, "When I first got back, I was frustrated. I tried so hard to remember everything. Everyone was walking on eggshells. But then I realized, the past isn't what matters. What matters is that we're together now, healthy and happy."

Herman still couldn't recall all their history, but he'd listened to Anastasia tell him about Pattie's struggles. His heart ached for his eldest daughter, and he wanted to make it up to her.noveldrama

Pattie tugged at Herman's sleeve, her clear eyes looking up at him.

That look—it hit Herman hard. Suddenly, he was right back there, three years ago.

The first time he'd met Pattie, she'd tugged his shirt just like this. She hadn't spoken, just looked up at him with those big, honest eyes.

Back then, he'd thought she was just shy, maybe slow to speak. Now, she truly couldn't say a word.

A rush of memories came flooding back. Herman's eyes lit up. "Pattie! I remember now-the first time we met, you wanted me to help you get your kite out of the tree, didn't you?"

Seeing her dad remember, Pattie's face lit up. She nodded eagerly: Yes!

She'd barely been five.

Pattie's hands flew as she signed excitedly: Do you remember anything else? Dad, you used to buy me pretty dresses, and when Penny was mean to me, you were the one who saved me.

Penny-yeah, Penny and Leo had been trouble. They'd tried to take Pattie away, hurt her. Now they were both locked up, and their son had been sent off to live with relatives.

Herman couldn't remember all that.

He just smiled, "Just remembering you is enough for me, Pattie. For your birthday, I'll invite all our friends and throw you a real celebration. What do you think?"

Pattie still looked unsure. She couldn't speak-what if people talked about her parents because of it?

Herman noticed the sketchbook

she'd tried to hide and smiled gently.

"We'll invite Uncle Scott, your godmother Monica, Uncle Jason, and even the Wiseman family from the coast..."

He'd mentioned the Wisemans on purpose.

Zach had sent her a drawing, and Layna had given her trouble of course, Herman knew.

Zach was a good kid. It was the first time Pattie had really experienced friendship from someone her own age, and Herman was happy for her. He didn't want her to close herself off just because she couldn't speak. He wanted her to get out there, make friends, live like any other kid.

When Pattie realized the Wisemans would be invited, her eyes brightened. She signed: Will Zach come? Dad, he helped me today and fixed my drawing. I haven't even thanked him yet.

Herman grinned, "I'll talk to your Uncle Howard, see if he can bring Zach along. How's that?"

Pattie shook her head: Dad, don't force him. He helped me because he wanted to -he even stood up to Layna for me. He's awesome.

She wanted friends who chose her because they wanted to, not because their parents told them to.

Herman saw the spark of admiration in her eyes and felt a little pang of worry. Kids these days-were they really old enough for crushes already in elementary school?

He shook off the thought. Pattie was still little. He was probably just being

paranoid. And anyway, this was her first real friend. As her dad, he had to support

her.