People thought since I could hear so much more, my ears would hurt all the time. I mean, sometimes sounds were annoying, but most of the time I liked the noise. Without being able to hear things, I’d be dead to the world.

Music helped. When I listened to music, I knew it was just for entertainment, not something important. I had a radio at home, and even when I couldn’t find a station, I would listen to the static just to drown out all the other noise.

Soon, Dr. Karon left, and I was alone. I patted my hand against the wall, creating at least some noise to be distracted by.

“Regan? What are you doing?â€?

Theo came in.

“Just… distracting myself.â€?

“Oh.â€? He went quiet.

“Is your full name Theodore?â€? I asked.

“Yeah, why?â€?

“Nothing,â€? I said, smiling.

“What kind of a name is Regan? I mean, wasn’t that a president?â€?

“What about Roosevelt? THEODORE Roosevelt? Besides, my name only has one A.â€?

He laughed. “You know, not many people know all the presidents, especially from over 1,000 years ago.â€?