Free Birds Drift With the Wind

Summary

My older brother, Simon, was born with selective mutism and severe autism. To cure him, our mother tried every desperate measure imaginable.

When I was a year old, I accidentally rolled off the bed and started crying hysterically.

Miraculously, Simon spoke his very first words.

"Sister... fell. It hurts."

"Mom, make it better for sister."

But the moment I stopped crying, Simon sank back into complete silence.

My mother looked at me, and her eyes filled with a sudden, terrifying hope.

From that day on, I became Simon's speaking doll.