Kat sat in her wheelchair, positioned near the window where the sunlight streamed in, warming her pale skin. Her head lolled slightly to the side, her body relaxed but distant, her fingers loosely curled in her lap.

Laura sat nearby, flipping through her phone, but her attention kept flicking back to Kat. She sighed softly, knowing how much her daughter wanted to communicate—but the words just wouldn't come.

The door opened, and Dr. Taylor stepped inside, her warm smile immediately lighting up the room.

"Hello, sweetie. How are you, Miss Katherine?"

The moment Kat heard her voice, her eyes brightened, and she let out an eager moan.

"Hmmm-mmm!"

Her arms fluttered, a small but noticeable movement—just enough to catch Laura's attention.

Laura gasped, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Oh baby, you're excited to see Dr. Taylor, huh?"

Dr. Taylor beamed, walking in and immediately kneeling beside Kat's chair, her voice gentle and encouraging.

"That's a big reaction, Kat! I love seeing that excitement."

Kat let out another soft coo, her fingers twitching as she gazed at Dr. Taylor with wide, eager eyes.

Dr. Taylor reached for Kat's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I hear you've been trying really hard lately. Should we see what we can do today?"

Dr. Taylor pulled a folder from her bag, flipping through the pages with practiced ease. "Let's see... Katherine... Katherine..." she murmured as she skimmed over her notes. "Ah, here we are."

Laura leaned in slightly, curious. "What's the update?"

Dr. Taylor adjusted her glasses and glanced at Kat, then back at Laura. "Kat's responses have been more expressive lately—those little vocalizations, the flapping of her arms when she's excited. Those are all great signs that she's trying to communicate, even if it's in her own way."

Laura's lips curled into a small smile. "Yeah, she's definitely been more—hmm, how do I put it—chatty? She coos a lot when Tony or I talk to her."

Dr. Taylor nodded. "That's wonderful to hear. I think it's time we introduce something to help her express herself better—cue cards."

Laura blinked. "Cue cards?"

Dr. Taylor reached into her bag and pulled out a small stack of laminated cards, each with a bold, simple picture and word printed on it. She fanned them out slightly so Laura could see—a picture of a drink, food, a toilet symbol, a happy face, a sad face, and a few others.

"These will help Kat associate pictures with her wants and needs. If she can't say it, she can point, tap, or even look at the card she wants."

Laura looked down at Kat, who was gazing at Dr. Taylor with an open-mouthed expression, her lips softly smacking together.

"That actually sounds like a great idea." Laura ran a hand over Kat's soft hair. "What do you think, baby? Want to try some cue cards?"

Kat blinked slowly, then let out a breathy hum, her fingers twitching slightly.

Dr. Taylor chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes."

She set the cards down on Kat's tray and picked up the one with the happy face on it.

"Okay, Kat. Let's start with an easy one. Happy. Can you show me if you're happy?"

Kat stared at the card, her expression distant at first. Then, slowly, she let out a soft, content giggle.

Laura gasped. "Oh my God."

Dr. Taylor's smile widened. "That's a great start! Let's keep going."

Dr. Taylor shuffled through the cards, picking up another one with a simple cup icon on it. "Alright, Kat, let's try another one. This is 'drink.' If you're thirsty, you can point to this one, okay?"

She placed the card on Kat's tray and gently tapped it. "Drink."

Kat's eyes flickered down at the card. Her fingers twitched slightly, but she didn't move to reach for it. Instead, she let out a small hum, her lips smacking together.

Laura tilted her head. "I think she's thinking about it."

Dr. Taylor smiled patiently. "That's okay, it's new. She's learning." She tapped the card again. "Drink, Kat."

Kat suddenly let out a soft "Hmmm," her hand twitching toward the card. She didn't quite touch it, but the movement was there.

"That's amazing, baby!" Laura beamed. "You're trying!"

Dr. Taylor nodded. "It's all about repetition. The more we do this, the more she'll understand."

Satisfied, Dr. Taylor picked up the next card—a simple toilet symbol.

"Let's try another important one." She placed it in front of Kat and tapped it. "Toilet."

Laura took over, her voice soft and encouraging. "Do you need the bathroom, Kat?"

Kat blinked at the card but didn't react.

Dr. Taylor gently shook her head. "Try different phrasing. 'Do you need a diaper change?' or 'Do you need to potty?'"

Laura nodded, adjusting her approach. She stroked Kat's cheek gently. "Do you need a diaper change, sweetheart?"

Kat's lips parted slightly. Her fingers twitched again, and then—a faint, shaky movement. She brushed her fingers against the card, barely touching it.

Laura's eyes widened. "Oh my God, I think she—"

Dr. Taylor grinned. "She's trying. That's a huge step."

Kat made a small whimpering noise, shifting in her chair. A faint crinkle of her diaper followed.

Laura's expression softened. "Oh honey, do you need changing?"

Kat let out a tiny whine, her lower lip trembling.

Dr. Taylor nodded, clearly impressed. "That's an incredible first attempt, Kat. You're doing so well."

Laura kissed Kat's forehead. "You're such a smart girl, baby. Let's get you changed, okay?"

Kat let out a soft, content moan as Laura squeezed her hand before looking at Dr. Taylor. "I think this is going to help a lot."

"I think so too," Dr. Taylor said warmly. "We'll keep practicing."

Dr. Taylor paused before standing. "Would you like me to call the nurses to help?" she asked gently, glancing between Laura and Kat.

Laura shook her head, already adjusting Kat's wheelchair handles. "No, I've got her. She's already in the chair, so I'll just roll her into the bathroom myself."

Dr. Taylor chuckled, stepping aside. "All good—Mommy knows best."

At that, Kat let out a bubbly giggle, her body giving a happy little wiggle.

Laura smirked. "Oh, you like that, huh?" She leaned in and pressed a playful kiss to Kat's cheek before steering her toward the bathroom. "Alright, stinky bum, let's get you sorted."

As she briskly wheeled Kat inside, the door clicking shut behind them, Kat made a soft hum and blinked up at Laura with wide, trusting eyes.

Laura crouched in front of her, tucking some loose hair behind Kat's ear. "Okay, princess, let's get this soiled diaper off you, hey?"

She carefully pulled down Kat's soft pink leggings, revealing the bulky diaper underneath. A faded teddy bear print adorned the front, now slightly discoloured from use.

Laura smiled softly as she got to work, peeling back the sticky tabs of Kat's bulky diaper. "Alright, baby girl, let's see what kind of surprise you made for Mommy," she cooed playfully.

Kat let out a muffled mumble, her lips parting and closing repeatedly like a little fish. Her arms gave a tiny wiggle,though they barely moved, and her head flopped slightly to the side, her soft babyish moans filling the bathroom.

Laura chuckled, folding down the front of the diaper and wrinkling her nose in exaggerated amusement. "Ohhh, yep. That's a big one," she teased, brushing Kat's thigh affectionately. "No wonder you were fussing, sweetheart! Feels much better getting cleaned up, huh?"

Kat's face scrunched, a little whimper escaping her lips as if she understood.

Laura reached out, stroking Kat's cheek with the back of her fingers. "Awww, don't be shy, princess. Mommy's so proud of you. You're trying so hard, aren't you?" She kissed her forehead, her voice soft and full of love.

Grabbing a warm wipe, Laura began gently cleaning Kat's skin, careful with every stroke. "I think the cards will help you a lot, princess. Words are just so tricky for you, aren't they? Hmmm?" she mused, her tone light and encouraging.

Kat mumbled something unintelligible, her lips moving, but no real words came out.

Laura smiled, lifting Kat's legs up with practiced ease and carefully wiping away the mess. "There we go, nice and clean," she soothed, her hands steady but gentle. "You're being such a good girl for Mommy. Just relaxing and letting me take care of you, just like you should."

She grabbed more fresh wipes, ensuring every bit of Kat's skin was wiped clean, then tossed the used wipes into the bin.

"Almost done, baby girl. Just need to get you into a fresh, cozy diaper." Laura set Kat's legs back down so her feet rested on the leg rests of her wheelchair. Then, pulling a soft, crinkly diaper from the supply bag, she unfolded it with a practiced motion.

"Okay, sweetie, I'm going to have to lift you up so I can slide this under you, okay?" Laura said, her voice warm and patient as she reached to support Kat's waist.

Kat giggled softly, a content little noise escaping her lips.

Laura grinned. "That's my happy girl."

Kat's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, her lips parting in a soft, flustered whimper. She weakly lifted her arms, trying to cover her face, but they barely moved—her strength too limited. Instead, she gave up, squeezing her eyes shut as Laura slid the fresh diaper under her.

Laura giggled, reaching out to stroke Kat's flushed cheek. "Oh, Miss Katherine, this isn't the first time I've changed you, remember?" she teased playfully, her voice full of warmth. "No need to be embarrassed, sweetheart."

Kat's breathing hitched slightly, another tiny whimper escaping her lips.

Laura clicked her tongue with amusement, smoothing out the soft diaper beneath Kat's bottom. "Oh, princess, you are just too cute," she cooed, giving Kat's thigh a light, affectionate pat. "I've been changing your little tushy for a long time now. There's no need to get all shy on me."

Kat mumbled something unintelligible, her lips twitching in a little pout.

Laura smirked. "Oh? Are you trying to tell me something, baby girl?" she asked teasingly, before giving Kat's tummy a gentle rub.

Kat let out a small, breathy giggle, her lips curving into a tiny, bashful smile despite her embarrassment.

Laura chuckled, lifting the front of the diaper up and securing the snug, crinkly tabs into place. "There we go, all fresh. Feels much better, huh?"

Laura's eyes widened with pure joy as Kat mustered the effort to speak.

"Mommy... moooom." Kat's voice was soft, strained, but unmistakably there.

Laura's heart swelled, and she beamed down at her daughter, her hands momentarily pausing on Kat's leggings. "Yes, princess? Mommy's right here."

Kat's lips trembled, her breath shaky as if trying to say more, but the effort left her exhausted. Instead, she simply blinked up at Laura, her face glowing with pride.

Laura cupped Kat's cheek gently, her thumb stroking just beneath her daughter's flushed skin. "Oh, baby girl, I am so, so proud of you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

With a soft crinkle, Laura patted the front of Kat's diaper again, playfully teasing, "And look at you, all cute and cozy in your princess diaper. Just perfect."

Kat's tiny, weak giggle escaped her lips, and Laura couldn't help but chuckle along with her.

"Alright, let's get these leggings back up," Laura said warmly, gently lifting Kat's legs as she carefully pulled up the soft fabric, smoothing it over the fresh diaper. She made sure it fit snugly without being too tight, then adjusted Kat's seating position so she was comfortable.

"All done, baby girl. All clean and cozy." Laura placed a kiss on Kat's forehead, then took her hands. "Let's go show Dr. Taylor how amazing you are, hmm?"

Kat's face lit up, and she let out a small, contented hum.

As Laura wheeled Kat out of the bathroom, she found Dr. Taylor waiting for them with a warm smile.

"There's my sweet girl," Dr. Taylor cooed, kneeling slightly to meet Kat's gaze. "Did you feel better after your change?"

Kat let out a soft hum, her eyes fluttering.

"Alright, let's do a little more practice," Dr. Taylor said, picking up her stack of cue cards. She held up the first one—a picture of a plate with food. "Food... Kat, what do you think of when I say food?"

Kat's face scrunched with concentration. Her lips moved slowly, struggling to form the word. "F-fooo... food."

Dr. Taylor beamed. "Yes! Good girl! That's right—food."

Laura squeezed Kat's hand, pride swelling in her chest. "You're doing so well, baby girl."

Dr. Taylor switched cards. This time, it was a picture of a bed. "Sleepy... What do you think of when I say sleepy?"

Kat's mouth opened, but no sound came. Her tongue moved slightly, her head twitching in small, jerky movements. She let out a soft grunt, frustrated.

Laura rubbed Kat's arm gently. "It's okay, princess. You're trying so hard."

Dr. Taylor nodded. "That's alright, Kat. Let's try again another time." She placed the cards down and turned to Laura. "I want to introduce you to more of these question cards."

She spread them out on the table: Toilet, Shower, Nurse, Park, Family, Happy, Sad, Hungry, Angry, Excited.

"These are the basics," Dr. Taylor explained. "If Kat can start recognizing them, she'll have an easier time expressing herself. Repetition is key."

Laura picked up the 'Family' card, running her fingers over it. "I can see how these will help. But what about actual communication? Is there a way to help her... talk more?"

Dr. Taylor let out a small sigh, her expression softening. "Kat's understanding is very basic, Laura." She paused before continuing gently, "She'll need words repeated often. Broken down into smaller, easier-to-process pieces. Simple phrases. Over time, she might start to grasp more, but it's going to be slow progress."

Laura nodded, though she felt a small ache in her chest. "I just want to give her every chance I can."

Dr. Taylor placed a reassuring hand on Laura's shoulder. "You already are. She's lucky to have you."

Kat let out a soft coo, her fingers twitching toward the cards.

Dr. Taylor chuckled. "And I think she's ready to learn."

As Kat settled back into her wheelchair, Dr. Taylor smiled, flipping through her folder before pulling out a set of picture cue cards. She held up a 'Family' card, then a specific photo of Tony.

"Alright, Kat, let's test that memory of yours," she said warmly. "Who is this?"

Kat's eyes lingered on the card. She stared hard, her mouth opening and closing a few times. A faint hum slipped from her lips as she weakly lifted a hand toward the photo.

"T... To...."

Laura leaned forward, encouraging her. "Come on, sweetheart, you know him."

Kat's fingers twitched as she tried to form the word. After a few seconds, her lips finally parted, and a soft, slow murmur came out.

"T-Tony."

Laura lit up instantly. "Yes! That's right, baby girl! Tony, your boyfriend."

Dr. Taylor chuckled and smirked teasingly. "Wow, look at you, Kat—already got yourself a special friend, huh? Aww!"

Kat's cheeks turned pink, and her fingers fumbled at her lap as if trying to hide her face. But with her weak arms, she could barely lift them. Instead, she squeezed her eyes shut in flustered embarrassment.

Laura giggled. "No need to be shy, princess. Tony's been amazing, hasn't he? So supportive through everything."

Kat made a soft hum, her way of agreeing.

Dr. Taylor nodded. "That's wonderful to hear. Having that kind of connection is so important. And look at how hard she's trying for him."

Kat peeked open one eye, still clearly embarrassed but also pleased by the praise.

"Alright, let's try another one," Dr. Taylor said, moving on to another picture card.

Dr. Taylor picked up another card, this one showing a bed with a blanket.

"And this one? What do we do here, Kat?"

Kat stared at it. Her brows furrowed. Then, after a long moment, she made a soft, sleepy hum. "Sss... sss..."

Laura leaned in. "You're so close, baby."

Kat swallowed, her voice barely a whisper. "Sssss.... leepy...?"

Dr. Taylor beamed. "YES! Sleepy! You're doing amazing."

Kat's face lit up. She flapped her hands weakly, making Laura chuckle.

"I'm so proud of you, princess," Laura cooed, brushing a hand through Kat's hair.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Laura glanced up in surprise. "Come in."

The door opened, and a familiar voice called out. "Hey, ladies. Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Kat's eyes widened. A soft, excited noise slipped from her lips.

Tony.

The young man stepped in, his warm, easygoing smile lighting up the room. "Figured I'd stop by and check in on my favorite girl."

Kat's face flushed red. She made a happy little sound, her fingers twitching as if she wanted to reach out for him.

Laura grinned. "Well, Kat, looks like your boyfriend came to visit."

Dr. Taylor smirked. "Perfect timing. We were just talking about him."

Tony chuckled and stepped closer, kneeling beside Kat's chair. "Hey, sweetheart. Miss me?"

Kat made a breathy little noise, her lips parting. She stared up at him, blinking rapidly.

Laura smiled, nudging Dr. Taylor. "I think that's a yes."

Kat tried, so hard, to say something. Her lips moved, her mouth forming the shape of a word.

Then, soft and shaky, it came out.

"T... T-Tony."

Tony's smile faltered for a moment, his eyes widening in shock.

Laura gasped. "Oh, baby girl! That was perfect!"

Tony swallowed hard, clearly touched. "Aww, Kat... that's the best thing I've heard all day."

He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Kat's forehead.

Kat smiled.

And for the first time in a long time... she truly looked happy.

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