Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Weeks ago, Daddy and I had a discussion about my sensitivities, and I gave him permission to explain my sensory issues to people if I’m ever in a situation where it is warranted and will help them understand without me having to be the one to tell them.
I don’t suffer from this level of anxiety very often, so Daddy hasn’t had to exercise his explanation many times.
“Welcome to the island. I’m Carolyn. So nice to meet you. I hope your trip over on the ferry was smooth.”
“It was. Thank you,” Daddy tells her. He has one arm on my back, reaching around awkwardly to get it there. “Please forgive Josie. She has sensory sensitivities.”
“Oh. No problem. Let me get you sorted and on your way quickly.”
I go into my head, reminding myself it’s just a color. It’s just a color. It’s just a color. I block out most of the interaction between Daddy and Carolyn, and luckily, moments later, he turns me, and we head out of the center.
When we step outside, Daddy squats in front of me and meets my gaze in front of the clinic. “You okay, Baby girl?”
I nod. “I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“No reason to be sorry, princess.” He pulls me closer and kisses me. “It’s all over. Carolyn understood.”
“Did you tell her I don’t like red?” I wasn’t listening.
“Nope. It wasn’t even necessary. I just told her you had anxiety. That way she won’t feel like she caused it.”
I smile at him and throw my arms around his neck. “That was smart. Thank you, Daddy.”
He rubs my back. “Now, lets go see the doctor and get that out of the way too, okay?”
I shake my head and giggle. “You said that as if you were giving me an option.”
He chuckles too. “Nope. No options.” He rises and takes my hand before striding the few steps to the entrance to the clinic.
I take a deep breath. If the doctor takes my blood pressure, he’s going to think I’m seriously ill.
Chapter Five
The inside of the clinic is luckily calm and soothing. Most importantly, it’s not red. There’s one Little boy in the waiting room. I know he’s Little because he’s diapered and playing on the floor with a train. A man is sitting near him, probably his Daddy.
Daddy speaks to the woman behind the desk. “Hi. I’m Chase Reynolds and this is my Little girl, Josie Miller. We have an appointment.”
“Yes. Come on back. I have a room ready for you. My name is Kelly. I’m one of the nurses here.” She has a blond bob and a huge smile. I like her.
She guides us to a room, and I’m relieved to find it’s also not red. It’s a pale blue color that’s soothing.
“Dr. Pedersen is going to see you today. And our other nurse, Brian. I’m about to leave the clinic for the afternoon. That was my partner and Little boy you saw in the waiting room. We’re going to the zoo today.” She beams.
“Oh, how fun,” Daddy responds. “We’ll be visiting all three of the Littleworld parks this week. Josie can’t wait.”
He’s right, but for now, all I’m focused on is getting through this appointment.
“Enjoy your vacation,” Kelly says. “The doctor will be right in.” She points toward the exam table. “You can have Josie sit on the end of the table.”
Within seconds of Daddy lifting me onto the table and Kelly leaving, the door to the room opens again, and two men come in.
I’m still anxious from the red shirt next door, but at least I haven’t had time to hyperventilate or anything. This is all happening so fast.
The man with the lab coat and stethoscope has blond hair and blue eyes. He’s smiling as he holds out a hand to Daddy. “Hi. I’m Dr. Pedersen.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Chase, and this is Josie.” He pats my thigh.
The other man extends a hand to Daddy next. “I’m Brian.”
Dr. Pedersen meets my gaze. “Your Daddy warned us that you have sensory processing disorder. I want to make this visit as comfortable as possible, so please let us know if anything bothers you.”
I nod. I’m holding my breath. Being here bothers me, but I don’t think that’s the right thing to say.
Dr. Pedersen sits on a rolling stool so he’s eye to eye with me. “How about if you tell me about your triggers, Josie. That will help me avoid them.”
I lick my lips and glance at Daddy.
He rubs my back. “Would you like me to start, princess?”
I nod. Bless him.
He kisses my forehead. “The color red bothers Josie, and we just had a run-in with red, so she’s flustered right now.”
“Got it. No red lollipops.” His smile helps me relax.
“Josie doesn’t like seams in her clothes or tags or zippers or Velcro or snaps. We order her clothes from a place that makes them specially for people with sensitivities.”