The Badge and the Burden

What's in a Sentence?

"Congratulations Neo!" Multiple people said, and others signed. I started tearing up, happy that I could finally speak.

"Well, let's hear it! Your voice, that is!" they all said, before I cleared my throat.

"You guys should have no problems unless you're addicted to eating chips." I said with a smile on my face, seeing more people clapping and smiling. "Thank you all for your support!"

I walked back to the warehouse, only half an hour down there. I took a sip out of my water bottle, thinking to myself.

"Should I tell Roman?"

"Of course, he'd be thrilled!"

"But what about him just being able to get things off of his chest?"

"No, he'll still do it. He has a stubborn nature after all."

"But what if he doesn't? What if he feels betrayed?"

"And what of it? You have all of those people that care about you."

"You're right, I should tell him. But first, I need some help from someone else. I'm too nervous to tell him on my own."

I settled to get Emerald to help me, as I climbed up onto the roof of the warehouse. I tapped her shoulder with my umbrella, prompting her to turn around.

"Hey Neo, what's up?" Emerald said, patting next to her, turning back to the city.

"I need your help." I said, causing Emerald to freeze.

"Did you just talk?" Emerald said, turning around to face me with a look of confusion mixed with wonder on her face.

"Yes, I did. That's what I need your help with. I got surgery to fix my voice; my muteness was caused by my semblance. My semblance still works, but now I have my voice back!" I said excitedly, seeing Emerald's face light up.

"That's wonderful! Why would you need my help? Let's go tell Roman right now!" Emerald said, leading my by the arm to the door.

"No, that's what I need help with. Roman likes to vent to me sometimes, knowing I won't give a smart-ass comment. I'm not sure if he'll still trust me or even want me near him if I can talk." I said, looking down at my feet.

"Nah, Roman's real stubborn so I'm sure he'll still do it. Come on, let's go tell him!" Emerald said, opening the door to the room of the warehouse.

"Ok, I'm trusting you." I said, following blindly into the warehouse.