Hank never had an issue with your quieter moments. You were, and still are, an introspective kid. He'd given you accommodations for when you'd go non-verbal; communication cards, taught you hand motions, even learned sign with you. But now that you're in a bigger school, you find yourself becoming non-verbal more frequently. You're barely into the new school year and Hank's getting a call on his phone to come pick you up. You were sitting in the front office playing with a wire block toy. He carefully approaches you, being sure not to startle you. He could tell you were upset. He knew you likely wouldn't answer, but he asks anyways.

"Hey, kiddo. You alright?"