Chapter 13 - Theo Became Afraid of Stairs
Physically, he recovered quickly.
The bruise faded.
The fear lasted longer.
Whenever Garrett carried Theo near a staircase, the boy gripped his shirt.
If someone stood behind him near steps, he cried.
At fifteen months, Theo did not have language for the memory.
His body did.
Garrett stopped forcing it.
He installed gates.
Used the elevator when possible.
Let Theo watch the stairs from a distance.
Months later, when Theo began climbing confidently, Garrett sat two steps below him.
Theo touched the carpet.
Looked upward.
Then back at his father.
Garrett held out both hands.
“Whenever you’re ready.”
Theo climbed one step.
Then another.
Nothing happened.
No one pushed him.
No one stood above him telling him he did not belong.
By the time he reached Garrett, both of them were smiling.
Small recovery.
May you like
Real recovery.
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