Echoes of Love ( one direction)

Satellite

Harry's POV:

As we stepped out of history class, I could feel the weight Louis was carrying, and it killed me that I couldn't just lift it all off his shoulders. He was quiet, his head hanging a little lower than when we first walked in. I'd seen that look before—the same one he had when he woke up in the hospital, realizing everything had changed. It wasn't just the silence around him; it was the fear that this might be his new reality forever.

We walked side by side through the hallway, and I kept him close, my hand brushing against his every so often. I wasn't sure what to say—or sign—that would make this better. I couldn't tell him everything was going to be fine because neither of us knew if that was true. But I could be here, right beside him. That was one thing I could control.

As we approached his locker, Louis slowed down, his fingers trembling slightly as he tried to open the combination lock. It took him a few tries, his frustration growing more obvious with every failed attempt. I could see it—the way his shoulders tensed, the way his jaw clenched. He didn't say anything, but I could feel his anger bubbling beneath the surface.

I leaned against the locker next to his, watching him quietly. After another failed attempt, I reached out and tapped his arm, signing, "Let me try?"

He hesitated, looking at me with those wide blue eyes that always said more than words could. Finally, he stepped aside and let me take over. I twisted the lock with ease, hearing the familiar click as it opened. I handed the door back to him, but I could see how much that small moment had bothered him. He hated feeling helpless. I got it, but it still stung to watch him go through it.

"Don't worry," I signed once his locker was open. "It'll get easier."

He didn't reply, just gave me a small nod before grabbing his books. I could tell he wasn't convinced, though. Hell, I wasn't sure I believed it either, but I had to keep telling him that. I had to keep being the one who was sure about something.

We had some time before our next class, so I nudged him gently, catching his attention. "Want to grab something from the cafeteria?" I signed.

His face softened a little, and he nodded again, though his movements were sluggish. I could tell he was tired, not just physically but mentally. This whole day had been one long marathon for him, and we weren't even halfway through yet.

As we walked toward the cafeteria, I noticed people staring again. They were subtle about it, or at least they thought they were, but I saw it. Their eyes lingered on Louis, some of them full of curiosity, others with pity. I hated it. I hated how they looked at him now, like he was something fragile. I knew Louis—he was strong, stronger than most people ever gave him credit for. But this situation, this change, had made people see him differently.

We grabbed a couple of sandwiches and sat at one of the smaller tables in the back of the cafeteria, away from the crowded areas where people gathered. Louis picked at his food, not really eating, just kind of zoning out like he'd been doing all morning. I wasn't sure how to snap him out of it, but I knew I had to try.

I tapped his hand, and when he looked up, I signed, "You don't have to do this all at once, you know."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Do what?"

"Be okay with everything," I signed. "No one expects you to be fine right away."

Louis stared at me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine like he was trying to find some kind of reassurance in what I said. He sighed and finally signed back, "I don't know if I'll ever be okay."

I didn't have an answer for that. Part of me wanted to lie, tell him that things would get better, but the truth was I didn't know how this was going to play out either. So I just nodded and reached across the table, taking his hand in mine. "Whatever happens, you've got me. We'll figure it out together."

He didn't say anything, but the way his hand squeezed mine told me he understood. That was enough for now.

We sat there for a while longer, eating in comfortable silence, or at least as comfortable as it could be with everything going on. I kept glancing at the clock, knowing our next class was coming up fast—another one we had together. I was relieved I could be there with him for most of the day, help him get through it. But part of me wondered how he'd manage in the classes I wasn't in.

When we finished eating, I stood up and signed, "Ready for English?"

He rolled his eyes slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Not really."

I chuckled, relieved to see even a glimpse of the old Louis peeking through. "Same," I signed back. "But at least we'll suffer through it together."

We walked to English class, and as we entered the room, I spotted a few familiar faces already seated. Most of them glanced our way but quickly looked away when they saw Louis. It was like no one knew how to act around him anymore.

We took our seats, and I set my notebook out in front of me, ready to sign whatever I could to help him keep up with the lesson. I knew it wasn't a perfect solution, but until we figured out something better—like those hearing aids—we'd make it work.

As the teacher started talking, I turned to Louis and began signing the lecture, slow and steady so he could follow along. He watched me, focused, but I could see the exhaustion in his eyes.

This was going to be a long day, and I had no idea what was coming next. But no matter what, I'd be right here. For Louis, I'd be whatever he needed me to be.

One step at a time.