Silent Charmers

Down the pathway from the Sycamore Sapling Sensational Castle, a screened enclosed patio resided at 123 Maple Syrup Lane. Occupying the air-conditioned confines, a young growing boy who had never said a word in his life, relying upon visage recognition as dialogue spent his scholastic rest period, mimicking an Ivy League undergraduate dorm. Featuring adoring blue eyes, golden blond hair and smile that would perk up anyone’s bad day, Royal Kaufman stared at the television, memorized by moving images.

Suddenly, a distracting disturbance struck, shaking Royal Kaufman’s concentration, transitioning his attention from the gigantic creature attacking a city, towards workmen style activity.

“What are you watching, RK?” His father asked, “That movie ‘What Are You Talking About? There Is a Monster Out There?”

Not receiving a response, the parental guider returned to the chore at hand, “sorry son but listening skills are just as important as observation ones.”

Still no acknowledgement, reminding the dedicated, committed husband, about the frustrating mental health challenge, distributed to him in the same way a lecturing professor would address an exam, Dorsey continued laboring, perfectly placing the antique bureau hiding magical music box abilities. Once settled, Royal Kauffman stood up, inspecting the special relic, noticing poised atop the record album player, a porcelain doll imitating a ballet dancer, showcasing a theatrical tippy toe presentation.

“She looks really pretty,” thought Royal Kaufman, honestly interpreting, the sculptured artistic piece.

As the film’s credits rolled, Dorsey stepped away requesting, “Son, I want you to shut off the visual playmate and open your ears.”

For many years, Royal Kauffman travelled, visiting all the health care workers in the area and the healers unanimously provided positive feedback during each appointment.

“His eyes are twenty twenty like a hawk,” the optical professional assessed.

“Hearing can pick up sounds, miles away,” the ear clinician commentated.

“His beautiful smile, sends a warm knowledgeable message, melting the world’s anger,” another physician mentioned.

But it was the nonverbal action that mystified those wearing hospital setting white jackets. Pulling a circular vinyl musical selection from the sleeve, retrieving the needle, handing the stereo the stage, Dorsey pretended swinging a maestro baton, exclaimed, "it's called an orchestra”.

As the big bands entertained, Dorsey left the room and Royal Kauffman retreated finding the director’s chair, proclaiming, 'Royal Kauffman’ embroidered. Seconds later, the curtain raised revealing a scene reminiscent of a Star Trek special effect, headlining the dancing figurine video, flashing like a movie on a screen.

“Hi, my name is Corregio and I want to dance,”

Hands clasped, Royal Kauffman seriously encountered the performance, treating the experience with respect, and upon conclusion applauded in mature fashion.

“Master Royal Kauffman,” Corregio bowed, “there is nothing wrong staying quiet, I mean we ballerinas do not yell, we dance.”

At first Royal Kauffman seemed unhinged, since this feeling usually happens when someone confronts the one thing that undermines the day.

“Remember, Master Royal Kauffman, use your other honest strengths, watch, listen and present the positive persona you have,” Corregio added before accepting her place in society.

Saturday turned to Sunday, and the afternoon soon arrived, only to relinquish its sunshine to night. No longer relaxing, completing trivial pursuits, Royal Kauffman found himself behind the bright electronic computer screen, creative writing, fulfilling a homework assignment.

Next day, at English class end, Royal Kauffman marched up to the teacher and handed over the typed written pages.

“Thank you,” the instructor greeted, “you do not have to say a word, you write beautifully.”

Moments following the bell, while all the students changed subjects, Gloria approached Royal Kauffman, “RK, we are done with dress rehearsals, and next Saturday is our big ballet recital,”

Turning around RK grinned, “you are formally invited, RK, and you do not need to say a word, just show up and support me.”

Within seconds, Royal Kauffman accepted the RSVP, by enlarging and releasing a positive facial expression.