| Fan Fiction |
by Suki Chan
Danny nodded and held onto his book; it was his homework for the month.
Matt put down the magazine and walked over, “Everything went ok?”
“Yes Danny’s doing pretty well.” Dr. Wong said to Matt, “This time I have given him some drawing exercises to do. It’s part of the training on his analytical skills. As usual, it would be even better if you could do them together with him. He will sure benefit from the sharing and expressing.”
“I will, certainly. Thanks Dr. Wong.” Matt said.
This chronic treatment indeed costs a lot of patience, effort,
And money.
“Here are Danny’s prescribed medications. And you said his vitamins supplements are running out…so here you go. And the 1 hour treatment session today. Total comes to $680.” The nurse showed Matt the bill.
Matt took out his wallet and counted the money to her. Aside from the rent, this was the biggest item on their household budget every month.
“By the way. Just want to let you know that beginning next month, there will be an increase to our treatment fees.” The nurse pointed at the new price list.
Matt frowned.
“Rent is going up for us, so we have to raise our treatment fees. We’re sorry.” The nurse explained. This was the third frustrating face she saw today, “We understand the autism long term therapy is a heavy burden on the families. Unfortunately the government’s assistance on special needs is very insufficient.”
“No I’m not blaming on you. I understand.” Matt sighed, “Dr. Wong’s been really nice and the therapy works well on Danny over these years. It’s good for him. That’s the most important.”
Matt and Danny left the clinic and strolled down the street. They passed by a stationery store.
“You have drawings homework to do for Dr. Wong. I remember your pencil crayons are running out. You showed me a while ago…like the red and blue and yellow ones are getting really short and you can barely hold them anymore? Why don’t we go get a new box?” Matt suggested.
Danny did not move.
“Come on. Matty will buy you a new box. You go pick the one you like.” Matt grabbed his arm and was about to walk into the store.
Danny shook his head and refused to go in.
“Why? You don’t want new pencil crayons huh?” Matt asked.
Danny again shook his head.
“Up to you then. But you still have to do your homework though. Can’t get lazy on that.” Matt warned him.
They went home.
“I’m going to the market now. What do you want for dinner?” Matt settled Danny down and ready to go grocery shopping, as usual.
Danny bit his lips.
“Stir fry beef?” Matt asked.
Danny shook his head.
“Spareribs?” Matt asked again.
Danny still shook his head.
“What’s wrong with you today? You were fine this morning.” Matt was worried. He put his palm on Danny’s forehead, “Are you sick or something? No…you seem ok though.”
The phone rang.
Matt went to pick up the phone, “Hello?...oh hey Don!...yup…oh right….it’s Pete’s birthday coming up…dinner? Hm…alright alright…I know I haven’t joined the parties last few times….’cause I was busy. Ok I will come then…next Sunday night is fine…yeah sure Danny will come along too. Oh yes….by the way, you remember the flea market event at your university campus last year? It’s also running this year? ...great! Yeah I’m thinking of renting the booth again to sell roasted peanuts. Quite a profit haha…. I still have the supplies from last year so I just need to buy the peanuts and charcoal then I’m all ready to go…I can do all 5 nights this time…yeah craving for money…ok ok…you register for me…thanks a lot…talk later bye…”
Danny heard the conversation of his brother with his school friend. He went to the cupboard and took out a little box.
Matt turned around, “Ah…Danny. Why are you taking that out? Don’t play with it…it’s all important stuffs like bank books and hydro bills. Can’t lose them. Go get something else.”
Danny searched through the box and found a bank book and card. He handed them to Matt.
“Your bank book and bank card? Why giving them to me?” Matt wondered. It was the account to save up all the salaries Danny made at the sheltered workshop. It was in Danny’s name, but Matt of course took care of it for him.
Danny bit his lips.
“Hm? What happened?” Matt asked caringly.
“…’cause I’m sick. Always need to see doctor. Matty pays lots money.” Danny’s eyes turned red.
Matt was stunned. He did not expect Danny to say that.
Danny gave Matt his bank book, “…money for Matty.”
Matt shook his head and whispered softly, “You heard at the clinic Dr. Wong is raising treatment fees, right?”
Danny nodded.
“You worry about Matty having problems with money. That’s why you’re giving out your bank book and try to help out.” Matt patted his head, “Don’t worry Danny. Matty’s doing ok with money. Matty can handle it.”
“…Matty no work at flea market again. Got hurt. No.” Danny softly touched the small scar on Matt’s hand. Last year at the market, when Matt was making roasted peanuts, he accidentally burned himself, retaining a mark on his left hand.
“It’s ok. Promise I’ll be really careful and won’t get hurt again, ok?” Matt smiled and comforted.
Tears rolled down Danny’s face. He felt really bad. He loved his brother. Matt had done a lot for him. He did not want to see Matt suffering more; suffering more for him.
Matt was heartbroken to see Danny’s sad face, but at the same time he felt touched and glad, “Danny is so thoughtful and considerate. Becoming a big boy huh?”
“…woo…woo…” Danny sobbed.
“Matty promised to take care of Danny. So no matter how difficult it is, no matter how much effort it’ll cost, and how much money it’ll cost.” Matt gently wiped the tears on Danny’s face and hugged him, “As long as Danny is healthy and good, then Matty is happy.”
“…Matty.” Danny was deeply touched by his brother’s unconditional love and caring to him. He understands. He knows.
“In return, Danny have promises to Matty though.” Matt stroked Danny’s back, “Be a good boy. Listen to Dr. Wong, take all the medicine on time and finish all the homework. And at the sheltered workshop, work very hard and when you get the pay cheque, always buy ice-cream dinner for Matty. Sounds good?”
Danny kept nodding in Matt’s warm hug. He promises. He promises.
*************************************
“…$5 thank you! And 1 bag for you too…sure…” Matt happily served the customers at his roasted peanuts booth, while Danny was busy helping on the side to take the money.
The flea market was an annual event at the university campus. Running for 5 consecutive nights with nearly 50 booths set up at the school football field, it attracted the students, their friends and family, as well as others living at the neighbourhood.
It was crowded tonight.
“…nothing really special. Gosh it’s packed here…”
“Let’s browse around. Maybe we can find some good deals. My other friend told me she saw a really nice vase at a booth here last night and I want to find it…”
“Ok I’ll help you to bargain ‘cause you’re never good at that. Don’t say anything and let me do the talking. Promise I’ll get you a super good deal…”
Two girls wandered around. One curiously scanned around while the other one kept nagging.
“…hey it smells really good! What’s that?”
“Alright at least I’ve found my meaning to be here tonight.”
“Next. Hm can I help you two ladies?” Matt greeted.
The girl’s eye glowed, “Hey how much per bag?”
“$5.” Matt said and pointed at the little sign.
“Alright give me a bag.” The girl waved, “Fill it up…more…more…”
Matt did not want to upset the customer so he did as instructed. He passed her the little brown bag, “Here you go.”
She was happy.
Danny reached out his hand and took the money from her. He carefully counted the coins.
The girl watched Danny curiously.
Matt immediately said, “Please excuse him. It takes him a little longer to do the math.”
“You two look familiar.” The other girl thought, “Did you ever live at Carlson Orphanage? …are you…Matt?”
Matt found her face a little familiar too. He raised his brows, “Hm…yes. You are…”
“Oh you are Matt! And this must be Danny!” The girl excitingly said, “We were both from Carlson Orphanage too! In case you don’t remember us…my name is Toby! And this is Sabrina!”
Matt gave her a friendly smile in return. Though he did not quite remember the two girls, it was still nice to see them again; for once they lived under the same roof, “Danny come say hi! Do you remember Toby and Sabrina?”
Danny peeped.
“I remember you. I gave away one of my favourite stickers and put it on the card to you when you were leaving.” Sabrina pointed at herself, “That’s so kind of me.”
“You two moved out…a few years ago, right?” Toby recalled on the caring big brother and the younger one with…little problems, “Wow what a chance we meet up here today! So have you been back to visit?”
“Last time Danny and I went back to visit Sister Maria was…around last Christmas.” Matt said.
“There’re some re-union parties happening soon at the orphanage. Check out the poster outside the principal’s office. I just put it up last week. Well hope to see you two then!” Toby waved.
“Sure. We will check it out.” Matt appreciated.
“Ok bye guys.” Sabrina pulled away her friend and whispered, “Go go go…you don’t have to brag so loud to let the whole world knows we’re from the orphanage…”
“…what’s wrong with that…”
A few customers approached, so Matt and Danny went back to work.
“How’s business?” A girl’s voice sounded.