LOVE IN THE BAKING

DISCOVERY

Callum observed as Liam folded his clothes.

"It takes him about 7 minutes to change."

For Callum, it was probably the longest 7 minutes of his adult lifeㅡa tense, silent vigilㅡas he watched Liam fold and unfold his clothes with trembling fingers.

"He likes his clothes to be neat since he has started to learn the art of origami."

Callum had to recognise that Liam was good with his hands and excelled at any exercise that required handcrafting, as long as he had time.

Dogs don't make cats, Callum's father would say.

 Liam resembled him in many ways. Liam suddenly stopped folding, and Callum guessed it was his cue. He opened the locker so Liam could put his clothes in.

"Don't do it for him. Otherwise, he'll start over," Caitlin had warned.

 Thus, Callum followed his sister's instructions. Callum couldn't recall the last time he'd put on swimming trunks. His family took Liam to the leisure center every Saturday, with Callum's father usually helping Liam in the changing room. This Saturday was different. For the first time since Liam's birth, the grandparents relaxed in the leisure centre's cafeteria overlooking the pool, letting Callum take charge.

According to his family, Liam loved water. Callum had read that children with ASD appreciated swimming activities for their calming benefits. Father and son left the changing room.

 Callum had the impression everyone stared while Liam advanced merrily.

"He knows the place and what he has to do off by heart; you don't need to assist him."

Liam was capable, but doubt hounded Callum. The belief that Liam was somehow breakable had become an old ache he struggled to silence. 

"He needs protection, but what he wants from us is to believe in him. He does things more slowly because he's meticulous; you must believe him capable."

Callum repeated his sister's words in his mind as they arrived at the pool, where Caitlin waited in a shallow part of the water. Liam immediately ran to join her. He hugged her, and they floated in that position for a few minutes. Callum observed them; his son closed his eyes and swayed with his aunt before letting go and joining a few other kids in the little bath.

"Where is he goingㅡ."

"He'll be fine, the kids know him. See that little girl with the pigtails he's hugging. She has helped Liam since he was four."

"How old is she?" Callum asked. "She's ten. She's in the same year as Royal."

"And she doesn't mind playing with him? I mean, she comes here to play, not to babysit."

"No, she likes being with him. Gemma has an older sister with Down syndrome. She's well educated concerning care and extremely mature for her age."

Callum was impressed that even a child could look after his son. He watched as the girl picked up a ball and began throwing it at Liam. It was a simple game of catch, and Liam was overjoyed. Two other kids joined. The interaction seemed pleasant, but suddenly, Liam came back with the girl who had been playing with him.

"Hello, sir, I'm Gemma."

"Hello Gemma, nice to meet you, I'mㅡ."

"Liam's dad. Liam wanted me to come and meet you."

"He did?"

"Yes, he's delighted you're here."

Callum turned to Liam, who seemed more interested in the waves and the environment around him than in the conversation, as his eyes wandered about.