“Why do you bleat like a goat?” I ask. “Do those sounds comfort you?”

“Yes, I believe they do,” he responds.

A month later, once again, “Why?”

“They help me to focus and think.”

Three more months, and he barely understands the question.

“They remind me that I’m still alive.”

Mary Hickey is an internationally known backgammon champion, teacher, coach and author. Her literary fiction has appeared in The Griffin, Happy, Kalliope, and other publications. She takes a break from writing if sushi, mattar paneer, or really good coffee are on offer.