chapter 1 The silence I carry
[Group Chat: “Home Again” – Elara, Aunt Mira]
Aunt mira
Hi Elara. Just checking in. Did you find your Literature class okay today?
Aunt mira
Glad to hear. I left some chamomile tea on the counter. Might help you sleep tonight. ❤️
(Aunt Mira left the chat)
[Group Chat: “Lit Class Weirdos” – Elara, Random Classmates]
Ava added Elara to the chat.
Ava
Hey new girl 👀 u sat next to the window kid.
That guy NEVER lets anyone sit near him lol
Kian the ice king ❄️
Elara
Didn’t realize it was “his” seat.
He didn’t say anything
sam
He doesn’t. Like ever.
Not to anyone
Ava
He stared at you tho. 👁️👁️
Elara
...not sure what to say to that.
Ava
Maybe nothing.
You seem quiet too. That’s fine. Just letting you know the school’s gossip radar is on. 👀
[Private Chat: Kian → Elara]
kian
Saw the edge of your sketchbook in class.
Flowers and cracks.
They looked... real.
Elara
I didn’t think you noticed anything.
You usually just stare out the window.
kian
Windows tell stories. So do drawings.
Elara
Yeah. Moved in with my aunt.
Long story.
kian
Some stories don’t need to be told yet.
But drawing helps.
So does silence.
kian
You’re the first person to say that and not mean it like an insult.
Elara
Not sure I meant it either way.
[Private Chat: Elara’s Notes to Self]
Elara
First conversation in days.
With a boy who doesn’t talk.
About drawings and silence.
This town is cold.
But his voice wasn’t.
Maybe there’s more to this place than grief.
Maybe not.
But I’m still here.
And that’s something.
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