After finishing his story, Beanie stood up quietly and wandered to the corner of the room. Without a word, he picked up a small children's iPad, tapped the screen, and began watching Blue Shapes , a bright , looping cartoon filled with cheerful music.
Andre watched him for a moment, the innocent glow of the screen reflecting in those haunting emerald eyes.
Miss Vivian exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples. "So… you heard everything he said."
"I did," Andre replied softly. "Would it be alright if I spoke to him a little more?"
She shook her head, almost smiling. "That might be difficult. Once he starts watching that cartoon, he won't move an inch. Either the battery dies or he falls asleep first."
Andre nodded. "That's alright. I was able to see through a few things already."
He straightened slightly, folding his hands. "Then maybe I can ask you a few questions , if that's okay?"
"Yeah, that's totally fine," she said, sitting back down.
Andre glanced briefly at his notes before asking, "Do you have any relatives with autism or schizophrenia? Either side of the family."
Miss Vivian blinked, then gave a small, humorless laugh. "That's quite the question. Well, not on my side, no. But on his father's… I'd bet there's a high chance."
Her eyes drifted toward the photo on the wall ,the one where the man's face had been violently scratched out.
"I see," Andre said, noting the reaction. "Would it be possible for me to speak with his father?"
"That…" She sighed, her voice tightening. "That would be hard. That bastard!! oh, sorry, my language." She gave an awkward chuckle. "He wouldn't pick up even if it were Christ Himself calling."
Andre's tone remained even. "Do you have his address? I could try reaching out in person."
"Yeah, I do," she muttered, standing up. "When we finalized the divorce, his lawyer gave me a copy of his address. Said I should 'let my son visit his father sometimes.'" She snorted. "As if that's ever happening."
She opened a drawer, rummaged for a moment, then handed Andre a folded piece of paper.
"Alright," Andre said, slipping it into his coat pocket. "After I speak with his father, I'll contact you again. We can finalize everything then."
He turned toward the door.
But just as he reached for the handle, Miss Vivian's voice stopped him.
"I know this isn't the right time," she said, her tone suddenly lighter, "but… are you single?"
Andre froze for a brief second, then slowly turned his head. His expression was unreadable.
Without a word, he opened the door and walked out.
Miss Vivian smiled faintly to herself as the door clicked shut. "Didn't think so," she whispered under her breath, lighting another cigarette.