One tape was labeled FOR DESMOND — WHEN YOU HAVE TIME.

He sat at the table with a small player and pressed a button.

Rosalind’s voice filled the room, warm and teasing at first.

“Des, if you’re hearing this, you finally opened a box without asking your assistant to do it.”

He laughed once and immediately began crying.

She spoke about Pearl’s love of boats and about her own work with families whose children communicated differently.

Then her tone grew serious.