That evening, Ryan busied himself in his kitchen making his dinner. His afternoon therapy session with Mr. Thompson had gone well. There was more improvement in André’s ability to hit target words more clearly, although he still came up with some amusing ejaculatory responses. A young nurse’s aid had arrived to give him fresh water and announced it was her birthday.
“Well, Hippy birdbath,” André had said cheerily.
This was greeted with a surprised look from the young woman, and a chuckle from Ryan.
“Hippy Birdbath?” Ryan had said to help André monitor his responses.
André had looked puzzled at first; then seemed to realize his error, and also laughed. He wouldn’t let the aid leave until he got the salutation right. It took about five minutes. That encouraged Ryan. André was intent
