“Do you remember how they tested you?” Susan asked.
“They showed me a paper and asked me to tell them what I saw and then try to write it.”
“Is that all?”
“I think so. I barely remember that. It’s the way they treated me after that I’ll never forget.”
“How?”
“Like I was a bother.”
Susan grunted. “I hate that. You were only five, for God’s sake.”
“I was six.”
“Why six?”
“My parents didn’t care if I went to school or not. I missed preschool and kindergarten, but the State told my parents they had no choice. They had to get me into school.”
“How did you feel about that?”
“I was glad. Except for the bullying, most of the teachers were nice, and I got more food than I ever had before. I even got to take some home with me.”
Kaylin could tell Susan didn’t like hearing that, but she didn’t ask any more questions.
“How about we test you now? It’s very easy, and some people think it’s fun.”
“Okay.”
They spent a few hours in her room taking different tests. Kaylin was aware when the men checked on her a few times, but they didn’t interrupt.
Susan made her feel good because she told her how well she was doing. Kaylin sat quietly as Susan put her things away and then relaxed when Susan smiled at her.
“You did very well. You’re in the moderate range, which is easier to learn compared to the severe cases I’ve worked with in the past.”
“I really can learn.”
Susan reached over the table and squeezed her hand. “You absolutely can learn.”
Kaylin felt tears fill her eyes. She never thought she’d be able to learn anything.
“Don’t you dare cry, or you’ll have me doing it, and it’s pathetic. I get bright red.”
Kaylin laughed and wiped the tears from her face. They stood and walked toward the door.
“Can I hug you?” Kaylin asked.
Susan grinned. “Of course.”
Susan was several inches taller than Kaylin, so it was a bit awkward, but they hugged tightly for several moments. “You have no idea how you’ve changed my life, and I’ll never forget this day as long as I live.”
Susan sniffed. “What did I tell you about making me cry?”
“I’m sorry.”
Susan wrapped her arm through Kaylin’s, and they walked into Jace’s office, where both men were sitting.
Mack smiled. “How are you guys doing?”