“You must understand my curiosity and concerns, Mr. Hayes, not just as the headmaster but also as a father.”
“My goal here is simple, sir. I do my best to help my patients cultivate a sense of safety. It helps them reverse the effects of whatever trauma they’ve experienced. That process looks different for every patient, though it typically starts with a conversation.”
“I see. Well.” He linked his fingers together, dragging his thumb over the harsh ridges of his rings. “A conversation may be difficult seeing as my son hasn’t spoken since the entire ordeal.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Sebastian.” He cast a look at the door, lips curling as though he wasn’t fond of what lay behind it. “He hasn’t uttered a word since his roommate died.”
I frowned. “Sebastian hasn’t spoken to anyone, in any capacity, in nearly eight months?”
“Not that I’m aware of, no.”
“That wasn’t included in his file.”
“I don’t see why it’s relevant.”
Was he joking?
“Had I known of Sebastian’s aversion to speaking, I would’ve approached our session much differently.”
“Sebastian knows how to speak, Mr. Hayes, he’s just refusing to.”
My jaw hardened. “Traumatic mutism is a lot more complicated than that. If Sebastian isn’t speaking, it’s likely because he feels like he can’t.”
“He was a quiet kid, Mr. Hayes. Solitude has always been his preference. His lack of speech doesn’t concern me, and I believe it’s probably for the best.”
“You think the best thing for your son is that he doesn’t speak?”
“I think it’s best he forgets what happened.”
Christ.
“Your son’s roommate died right in front of him, Headmaster Arthur, I don’t imagine he’s likely to forget that anytime soon.”
“Perhaps not but his presence here is making it difficult for the rest of the students to move forward.”
“I don’t think Sebastian is the problem, sir. Are you aware that the students here have taken to calling your son Vicious?”
“I am, yes.” He rubbed the back of his neck and made a noise that suggested he was bored. “You've read his file, Mr. Hayes, I'm sure you're aware that there was some evidence of foul play in Foster Lake’s death. Sebastian was cleared as a suspect but it seems the students have latched onto the idea that he killed his roommate.”
The space between my eyes began to throb. “And you think that’s appropriate?”
“Of course not.” His chin lifted, eyes hard as he tried to stare a hole into my skull. “Let it be known, Mr. Hayes, that I was not in favor of Sebastian returning to campus.Hewas the one who expressed interest in returning to complete his last semester. I thought an online route would be more appropriate.”
“Sebastian wasn’t required to repeat the entire year?”
“His last semester was all that was left of his requirements. Mr. Lake’s passing was only six weeks before graduation. It affected Sebastian enough that he couldn’t complete his studies in time.”
“I’d say that’s a pretty standard reaction given the circumstances. What exactly has Sebastian been doing the past few months if not attending school?”
“I can’t be certain, Mr. Hayes. He spends most of his time in his room in the dormitory. I told you he prefers solitude. I believe he’s fond of reading.”
My nostrils flared, chest collapsing with a breath that nearly knocked me off my feet. Toes curling in my boots, I closed my eyes and counted backward from ten. It was rare I displayed anything other than professionalism but Headmaster Arthur’s aloofness regarding his son had my blood heating beneath the surface of my skin. I’d dealt with passive parents before but this felt different.
Worse.
“The board and I agreed that if Sebastian were to return to campus, it’d be in his best interest to dedicate his first period to sessions with you. Perhaps it’ll help him cope.”