That evening Alastair invited him inside. Corin hesitated, intimidated by the marble floors and towering ceilings. Celia tugged his hand firmly until he followed her. She sat beside him during dinner, watching him with a fascination that made the household staff exchange astonished glances. She would not eat until Corin did. She would not leave the room unless he stepped with her.
No matter how baffling the situation appeared one thing was clear. Corin’s presence unlocked something inside Celia.
Over the next weeks Alastair observed gradual changes that stunned every therapist on staff. Celia copied Corin’s gestures. She attempted new words whenever he encouraged her. She practiced short sentences with him while they explored the greenhouse or walked along the pond. Corin never treated her like a patient, or an oddity. He treated her like a friend. That authenticity became a bridge no professional could replicate.
Alastair learned that Corin lived in a neighborhood across the river where old buildings leaned with age. He shared a cramped apartment with his aunt and two cousins. He worked part time cleaning bike shops to help with bills. He had entered the estate that first day searching for scrap metal near the outer fence.
Alastair began supporting Corin’s family discreetly. He arranged for tutoring and ensured his aunt received assistance. Corin resisted at first, insisting he did not want charity. “I am not trying to take advantage of your kindness,” he said one evening.
Alastair answered thoughtfully. “This is not charity. It is appreciation.”
Celia continued improving. She learned to say short stories to Corin while they worked on puzzles together. She began speaking to her tutors in soft timid tones. Eventually she even began speaking to Alastair during their evening walks in the garden. Every word she shared felt like a precious gift.
Years passed. Corin grew into a determined young man with remarkable academic achievements. Celia blossomed into an expressive girl who loved drawing and music. The day Corin received a scholarship letter from a prestigious university Alastair hosted a small celebration. Celia cried quietly when she learned Corin would leave for school.
“You will come back, right,” she asked in a trembling voice.
Corin smiled tenderly. “Of course I will. You are my friend. That does not change.”