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Toni McManus said, “Wow, that’s a cool one—so I can come in, too?”
“Of course.”
You have no idea how much she’ll be needing you.
Philomena played steadily for twenty-five minutes, when her attention began flagging.
I said, “Great job, we’re finished for today.”
Tiny smile. Allowing herself a bit of self-satisfaction.
Toni McManus had begun the session as an observer but had switched soon to working her phone. She said, “That’s it?”
“It is for today.”
“Will we be coming back?”
Oh yeah.
I said, “Eventually. I’ll call to schedule.”
“So nothing urgent.”
Is my child normal?
I said, “None. Philomena, you’re a very smart girl.”
“Thank you. Sir.”
She saluted.
Toni said, “Gramps again. I’m going to have to speak to him.”
At the doorway, Toni distracted Philomena with a kiddie game on her cellphone and leaned in close to me.
“Doctor, is there anything I need to look out for? I mean, if it gets stressful. I hope it doesn’t, but if.”
I said, “Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, mood. Call me with any concerns.”
“I will. Thank you.”
From several feet below: “Thank you.”
Toni McManus said, “Oh, Gramps—that’s not a problem, is it, Doctor? Being too polite? I promise you she’s not overly restricted.”
I said, “Courtesy’s a good thing.”
That didn’t seem to help so I said, “Philomena’s a wonderful girl.”
That did.
—
After they drove away, I returned to the office, closed up the playhouse, sat at my monitor and charted.
Bright 3 y.o., exc. attention span, approp. play and separation, some evid. of awareness of situation.
Philomena had begun by uniting the parent dolls but didn’t take long to separate them. Placid Caucasian dolls not unlike the people she’d grown up with. I keep them in a variety of shapes and hues.
