Tori came in as Marie was getting ready to leave.
"Hey Jade," Tori said, "I have to go to class soon."
"Wait. Tori you know I have a meeting at Willow's school. Oh by the way you'll never guess what Willow did."
"Um... tied her shoes?"
"No she did something really exciting. Willow talked. She said, "I love you mommy."
"Jade maybe you thought she said that but she's 7-years-old. She hasn't talked yet," Tori said.
"Y-y-yes I h-a-a-a-a-a-v-v-ve," Willow replied sounding out the words carefully.
"Oh my GOD," Tori exclaimed, "Willow honey where did you learn that."
"Marie," Willow said without having to sound it out. Tori's eyes widened. Marie was actually teaching Willow to talk. She didn't think it was possible. Marie was a cockeyed optimist. Tori would never forget when she and the nineteen year old had gone for a drive in her car. Tori liked Marie. She was smart and sweet and way too 'look on the bright side'. Tori's windshield had been attacked by birds and there was all kind of bird droppings from white to yellow to purple. She was really frustrated about it. Marie on the other hand looked up and said, "at least it's colorful." But Tori never thought that it was possible for Willow to start talking. Jade and Tori were trying to figure out what they were going to do about Willow. Tori had class and Jade had a PTA meeting at Willow's school.
"I could watch Willow," Marie offered quietly. They both looked at her.
"Sorry," Jade said, "I didn't hear you."
"I said I could watch Willow," Marie offered.
"Thank you," Jade said, "I really appreciate that. She needs to take her medicine at 9 o'clock. Also she likes the song TWINKLE TOES. It sooths her. One more thing. I'll be back by eleven o'clock. Don't leave the center. She's had a long day and I want her to be able to relax. Dinner is in the refrigerator.

...

Willow took a nap before dinner. Marie got out her journal and wrote in it while Willow was sleeping.
Willow talked today. She said "I love you" to Jade. What a great day. I feel the moment of unity is coming soon. Like the river gently flows and ebbs to join the greater body of water so too shall the family be united. That will be my last moment there and I can accept that. I am an inside-outer