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“Yeah, sure. Caspian, go on inside. I have some lemon bars and milk set out for you boys.”
Lemon bars? My day just got a whole lot better.
“Caspian, before you go, may I please have the letter I gave to you?” Mrs. Marley asked.
Reluctantly, I pulled it out of my jacket pocket and gave it to my teacher.
“Thank you, Caspian. I’ll see you tomorrow at school.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As I crossed the yard, I heard Mrs. Marley ask Mama if her husband was home. When Mama had replied no, my teacher said, "Good. I want to talk to you alone."
When Mama returnedto the kitchen from talking with Mrs. Marley, she had a worried expression. My brothers and I were all at the table enjoying our afternoon snack. I'd just finished my last crumb and washed it down with the rest of my milk.
"Caspian, I want to talk to you about something. The rest of you, go do your chores."
We knew better than to grumble if Mama gave us an order. They all took their plates to the sink and then scurried off to do their assigned task. Mama kept a rotating chart on the refrigerator. This was my week to set and clear the dinner table.
She sat across from me at our kitchen table, setting the envelope from school on the table.
“What’s it say?” I asked, indicating the letter.
“It’s very interesting, actually. Mrs. Marley thinks you may have something called ADHD in combination with dyslexia. Have you heard of either of those before?"
"No, Mama."
"She thinks you have obvious symptoms and would like to have you tested."
"Am I sick?" I asked.
"No, not sick. It simply means your brain works a little differently than other people's. Do you know how it's hard for you to focus when there's a lot of distractions?"
"Yeah?"
"This could be the reason."
"Will I be expelled from school?" I couldn't help but feel a little hopeful about that proposition. Maybe I could stay home all day and cook all the family meals. That way Mama could have a break, and I wouldn’t have to sit in a classroom all day feeling like the dumbest kid there.
“What? No, you won’t be expelled. There are medications that will help you.”
“Oh.” My shoulders slumped.
“Honey, I know school’s been hard for you, but this might be the answer."
"What does the medicine do? Will it make me feel sick?"
"No, not at all. Or at least, I hope not."
The back of my throat ached. I didn't want to cry, but here with Mama it was safe. “Why can’t I just stay home with you? I’m dumb, Mama. Everyone knows it.”
Mama took hold of my shoulders. “You listen to me. You are not dumb. Your brain works a little different than others’. Do you know what that means?”
I shook my head, swiping at my eyes.
“That means you’re special. Mrs. Marley said a lot of highly intelligent people have ADHD and dyslexia. Do you remember the movie we rented calledTop Gun?”
“Yeah?”
