A Silent Moon

Chapter 2- Hermit

Play the song the instant it's mentioned for full atmospheric effect.
_______________________________

{Chase}

Five whole years since I came out to my parents. Ever since then, my whole world gradually dimmed. Rapidly in fact.

I was no longer a shining crescent; but a tenebrous eclipse. I lived my life soaking in the light of the sun, but I no longer felt the searing heat the same way again. I became a shadow that hid behind a facade.

A masquerade with an invisible mask, playing as an invisible person. I no longer wanted affection, because I no longer felt like I deserved it.

At times, I was desperate and hopeful. Hoping that someone, anyone, a hero of my own to come save me from my home that no longer held solace for me.

Only suffering could be found there. But, in spite of his indignation towards me, my father let me stay. On the condition that I leave him alone, he never has to see me, that I never ask of him for anything; I'd have to do everything myself.

If he catches one glimpse of me inside of the house, he would assault me. He did not see me as his son anymore. But he did not want others getting the wrong idea about me being disowned, so he let me stay. If others found out about the situation, his reputation would be besmirched.

Secretly, I laugh about that whenever I have the chance to. He cares only for himself and the idea of being seen as being perfect all the way around that he doesn't even realise how much of an imperfection it was to think of that way.

School was the only place I could be far away from him. Tuition was solely paid by my aunt who, on behalf of my mother, discreetly gave me everything I needed. Money, clothing and of course an education.

And that was it, that was the limited help she could give me. I felt grateful towards my mother and my other relatives who knew about my situation, however I hated them all the same for ignoring me and leaving me in the place of the one man who loathes to think of me as having the same blood as him.

Even though school was my saving grace away from him. It was also a hellish prison that bore no sympathy towards me.

I was treated as a nuisance to the people in my classes. I never spoke, leading to others believing I was mute.

As such, in the belief that I could speak to no one, some of them had gall to direct their anger towards me whenever something was troubling them. It was usually the jocks that had a problem with me. I had no idea why.

At times they would carry out harmless pranks such as putting glue on my seat. Tripping me up. 'Accidentally' bumping into me at the cafeteria and spilling juice or throwing food all over me.

Then on other occasions, they would physically beat me up. Not enough for me to be completely bruised and broken, but enough that I felt pain for the rest of the day.

I was lucky they would restrain themselves while in school. My dad on the other hand, showed no restraint whenever he attacked me.

At this point in time of my life, I had nothing to offer to the world. My home was hell, my school was hell. Everywhere I went, all that would occur was a vexing moment of shame and humiliation. Of pain and despair that pushed me closer to the edge. I was sick of it all.

So, I planned to wait until I was eighteen. I was going to keep on studying in this school to gain the barest of qualifications for a job. And escape this town for good.

This was nothing for me here. All I needed to do was.... Survive.

But....

I don't think I can survive this hit I was about to face.