Little Raven, Spread Your Wings.

Short flashback in this chapter! Look for the '>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>' the flashback is in-between it!

—Clay—

It's been around a few days, and after Raven's accident, they seem more trusting of me while also more scared. It's like we took three steps forward and five steps back. I'm hoping that their therapy session today will help with that.

I reached out to a few offices and came across a psychologist that specializes in doing therapy for kids just like Raven, so I've been easing them into going the entire morning.

I grab the diaper bag, humming to myself as I mull over things we could possibly need. "Alright, change of clothes, diapers, wipes.. Ah! Can't forget their blanket and dinosaur." I stuff as much as I can into the diaper bag, closing it up and sighing. I turn to look at Raven with a gentle smile, kneeling down where they're quietly looking through a dinosaur picture book, clearly sulking.

"Alright, sweetheart. We need to get going now, so let's head to the car." I reach my hands out to Raven, gently lifting them to their feet. I have them dressed in the cutest outfit, jeans and a dinosaur sweater. The sweater says 'rawrsome dino', with a T-Rex under it. I sling the diaper bag over my shoulder, holding Raven's hand as we walk down the stairs.

I take a deep breath before putting on my best soothing tone. "Alright honey, I do have to warn you. You already know that we're going to see a doctor today, but I did have to get you a car seat. I understand that this might frustrate you, but I promise it will all be okay." I look down at Raven to see their reaction, frowning gently when their eyes begin to water.

I reach down and grab Raven under their armpits, shushing their fussing down lightly as I hold them to my chest. "Shh, look baby bird. I know it isn't the most fun thing in the world, but it has dinosaurs on it! Isn't that fun? I also set up a tablet for you to watch movies while we're on the go, since we'll be getting out of the house more soon." I open the front door, shutting it behind us as I head to the car.

Raven makes soft, snuffling sounds. I realize that they are chewing on the sleeve of their sweater, and my face softens even more than it already was. Coos leave my lips as I open the back door, revealing the dreaded car seat. I sit down, sitting Raven in it. "Here, lets set up a movie. Which would you like?"

I try to get Raven focused on a task, while also getting used to the feeling of sitting in the car seat. We both go through the movies together, Raven settling on The Good Dinosaur. Of course I should have assumed the dinosaur lover would like a dinosaur movie. Raven and I will definitely need to have a Jurassic Park movie marathon.

I set the diaper bag down in the seat next to Raven, unzipping it and pulling out Raven's dinosaur and blanket. "Here, baby." I swiftly buckle Raven into the car seat, tucking their blanket onto their lap and handing them their dinosaur. Raven must be too nervous to have a meltdown, since they aren't throwing a fit over the car seat.

I sigh with relief, kissing their forehead gently as I shut the door and climb into the drivers seat, starting the car up and pulling out of the driveway. "Alrighty, baby bird on the road!" I say in a silly voice, smiling brightly when I hear the softest little giggle from Raven.

I drive along the main road to the ambience of Raven chewing on their sweater and the movie, humming quietly to myself. I occasionally check the map on the infotainment screen, rolling my eyes when the robotic voice tells me to turn right. "Yeah I got it, thanks." I mumble sarcastically as I pull up to a building, parking in the lot. Turning to face Raven, I give them a reassuring smile. "C'mon baby, time to get out. Let's head on in, your appointment is soon."