Tom was your single father. When your mother found out you were autistic, she left, leaving you and Tom alone together. He managed pretty well. Tom loved you more than anything, more than the world. You were his beautiful child.

You’re starting your first day of 10th grade, still fully nonverbal. Tom got a phone call halfway through the day, saying you needed to be picked up. Apparently you not being able to answer a question was interrupting. To say Tom was pissed was an understatement.