“Toby come on, otherwise we’ll be late!” His mother called from the kitchen. He thundered down the stairs and plodded nervously around the corner, then looked at his mum in a panic.

            “But mum!” Toby exclaimed grabbing onto a coat hanging upon one of the hooks in the hallway.

            “I’m really scared. I don’t want to go!”

            His mum, Saphya, squatted down to his height and hooked one finger under his navy t-shirt to gently pull him forward.

            “No!” He protested, squirming away and still jerking.

            Tears filled Toby’s bright green eyes. Saphya opened her arms and he ran into them sobbing.

            “He’s just going to ask a few questions baby, he won’t hurt you.”

            Toby sniffed. Saphya held him lightly at arms length and looked into his eyes.

            “How about afterwards we go out for an ice-cream? Your choice.” Toby gave a half smile, and then creased his face, calming his tics.

            Saphya pulled up in her white 206, took off her seatbelt and rotated in the seat to face her son.

            “I’m so proud of you honey,” she said and beamed. Toby returned the smile and jerked his head back in discomfort. Seeing him this way made Saphya feel helpless and all she wanted to do was protect him.

How can I protect him from himself? She thought as she got out of the car and shut the door.