We reminded her that she was in a different place and that no one was spraying water at her.

The next morning, I contacted a child therapist recommended by the pediatrician.

The therapist explained that young children often communicate through play, pictures, sleep changes, and questions.

Our first job wasn’t to force Hailey to talk.

It was to give her a sense of choice and consistency.

So I made a schedule.

Breakfast at the same time.

Walks when the weather allowed.