“I see what you’re doing.Whatever was in this formulation targeted that part of the brain,” said Suzette.
“Explain.In English, please,” smirked Luke.Suzette nodded, grinning at her handsome nephew.
“Musical savants are not created by a single music center in the brain.Instead, it emerges from an imbalance between the brain's hemispheres.It typically involves damage or underdevelopment in the left anterior temporal lobe combined with compensatory overdevelopment and activity in the right hemisphere, which is responsible for spatial and artistic processing.
“It’s actually quite fascinating.The underdevelopment was their deafness, although for most it was a genetic defect.The neurological makeup of a musical savant relies on a fascinating interplay of specific brain regions.”
“Aunt Suzette,” sighed Luke rubbing his temples.
“Okay, okay,” she smiled.“The left anterior temporal lobe is the region that usually manages logical reasoning and conceptual categorization.In savant syndrome, damage or suppressed activity in this left-brain area stops it from filtering out raw sensory details.This allows the brain to access raw, unfiltered sensory data and privileged memory.
“Savant skills generally map to the right side of the brain.With the left side suppressed, the right hemisphere—which controls visual-spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and creative abilities—hyper-compensates and dedicates enormous neurological resources to musical processing.It’s what allows them to become the absolute miracles they are.”Suzette nodded at Gabi to continue.
“The auditory cortex, which is located in the temporal lobes, is the area that processes pitch, tone, and melody.Savants often show a massive expansion or heightened activity in Heschl's gyrus, a key area within the auditory cortex dedicated to mapping exact pitches and perfecting absolute pitch or perfect pitch.It’s quite possible this molecule or pink dust or whatever it is, mimics hearing in the deaf to allow them to ‘false’ hear.I know it doesn’t make sense but it’s what’s working in my brain,” said Gabi.
“Some of it makes sense,” said Eric.“I think I can see what you’re saying.”
“There’s more,” said Suzette.“The cerebellum and motor cortex are responsible for regulating physical movement, rhythm, and timing, these areas allow a musical savant to effortlessly translate complex rhythmic patterns into precise physical performance.So, it’s as if everything turns into math and even though the children can’t hear it, the formula makes sense.”
“So, whatever this stuff is, it was strategically targeted to that portion of the brain so that in spite of their disability, the children would develop a keen ability to feel music, hearing it in their brain.I’m making myself confused now,” laughed Riley.“But do you understand?”
“I think so,” nodded Luke.“It’s like SEALs or Rangers who have an incredible sixth sense.Like Trak who just knows which way to go and finds what’s he’s looking for.”
“Exactly!That part of your brain is functioning at such a high level, everything else is blocked out,” said Gabi.
“Can the children learn regular lessons?Can they learn math, science, history, all of that or will this inhibit that part of their brain?” asked Eric.
“They will learn like every other child.They may experience challenges in certain subjects, just like other kids, but my guess is music, math, and science will be their sweet spot,” said Riley.
“Well, that tells us that these children were born deaf or mute but not savants.Sometime after their birth, we’ll say formula for now, was given to them with this molecule in it.It made that part of the brain hyper-active, creating the genius,” said Luke.Gabi, Riley, and Suzette nodded.“But why not artistic geniuses?”
“Honey, one miracle diagnosis at a time,” said Gabi.“We’ll work on the next when I’ve rested my old brain.”
“Gabi, your brain is younger than mine,” laughed Eric.“And a whole lot prettier.”
“Aww, you’re gonna make Zulu jealous,” she said kissing his cheek.“We’ll let you know if we think of anything else.One thing is for sure.”
“What’s that?” asked Luke.
“It cannot be reversed.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Sutton, when your mom and dad brought Pippen home, were they having money problems?” asked Eric.
“They always had money problems,” frowned the little girl.“I don’t blame ‘em or nothin’.Daddy tried.Least, I think he did.It just felt like there was never enough.Mama couldn’t breastfeed him.Somethin’ was wrong.A lady from the hospital said there was a service that would bring stuff to us and they did.”
“What kind of stuff?” asked Eric.
“Blankets, clothes, diapers, lots and lots of diapers.And formula.It smelled awful.I remember Pip puked on me once when I was feedin’ him and it smelled terrible,” she said making a face.“They said it was ‘cuz it was loaded with vitamins or somethin’.After ‘bout a year he stopped drinkin’ that and they said he could drink regular milk.‘Cept we didn’t have money for milk either.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that,” said Eric.“You won’t have to worry about not having food or milk here.You can have as much as you want, just don’t make yourself sick.”
“Yes, sir.We know.We been goin’, I mean, we’ve been going,” she said with a blush, “to classes with Miss Elizabeth and Miss Jessica to catch up to the other kids so when school starts in the fall we’ll all be in the right grade.”She looked down at her lap and Eric smiled at her.
“What are you thinking?Are you worried?” he asked.
“Yes, sir.I’m not like all of them.They’re all, um, what’s the word y’all use – savants.They’re like geniuses.I’m not.I didn’t go to school every day and I’m way behind the other kids my age.”
