As Sam prepared for the session, Matthew helped set up the patio. Andrew watched the two boys working together, feeling a profound sense of gratitude.
— “Andrew,” Karen said, taking his hand. “Do you ever think about what our lives would be like if we hadn’t given Sam a chance that day?”
— “Every day. Matthew would still be blind. Sam would still be in a shelter. And us? We’d still be trapped in our own grief. Sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.”
Andrew nodded, watching Sam carefully apply clay to Lily’s face while telling one of his stories. Matthew sat nearby, helping create a peaceful environment for the girl. It was amazing how these two boys from completely different worlds had become not just brothers, but partners in a mission of healing and hope.
— “Mom, Dad,” Matthew called out, “you want to hear the story Sam’s telling? It’s a good one.”
Andrew and Karen sat down nearby. Sam was telling the story of the princess who locked her words away because she was afraid they might hurt someone.
— “But one day,” Sam continued, “the princess found a friend who told her that words are like seeds. They can hurt if they’re used poorly, but they can also heal and grow beautiful things if they’re used with love.”
Lily was captivated, her eyes bright with interest.
— “And do you know what the princess did?” Sam asked.
Lily shook her head.
— “She opened the castle doors and let her words out, one by one. First, she said ‘Thank you.’ Then she said ‘Please.’ Then she said ‘I love you.'”
Lily smiled and whispered very softly.
— “Thank you.”
It was the first word she’d spoken in three months. Sarah, her mother, gasped, tears welling in her eyes.
— “Lily! You said something!”
The girl looked at Sam.
— “The words came back,” she said, a bit louder.
— “They never left,” Sam replied. “They were just waiting for you to feel safe enough to use them again.”
When the session ended and Sarah and Lily left, Sam sat on the grass next to Matthew.
— “Sam,” Matthew said. “Do you ever get tired of helping people?”
— “No. Actually, it’s the opposite. Every time I help someone, I feel stronger. Like my grandmother is right there with me.”
— “Do you miss her?”
— “Yeah. But I know she’s happy. She always said she wanted me to use what she taught me to help as many people as possible. And now I can.”
Andrew walked over to the boys.
