Silent Scars

CHAPTER 9

The quiet knock at Aria’s door startled her, echoing loudly in the stillness of her room. Her heart skipped a beat at the sound,her body instinctively tensing.

She took a shaky breath, forcing herself to stay still as the door creaked open.

Kendric stepped inside, his movements almost tentative, like he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to be here. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of his sister standing by the window, her figure small and almost frail in the dimming light.

He had expected her to look different, more confident, less...afraid.

He cleared his throat, offering a small, awkward smile.

"Hey" he said, his voice light, almost cheerful. He had been the one to volunteer to get her, eager to be the first to make a connection. He didn’t know why, but there was something about the idea of a sister that made him feel excited, curious. He’d never had anyone to look after before, and the thought felt strangely nice.

"Uh, dinner’s ready." Kendric continued, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Leonardo asked me to come get you. Thought we could all eat together tonight."

Aria didn’t know who he was, not really. She had assumed this boy must be one of her brothers. Leonardo had mentioned she had more brothers, but he hadn’t told her how many, and she hadn’t asked. It wasn’t that she didn’t care, she just didn’t know what she was supposed to feel. This was all new, terrifyingly new.

Kendrick took a step closer, watching for any sign of recognition or response from her. When she didn’t move or speak, he forced another smile.

"You must be hungry, right?"

Aria didn’t respond, she didn't look up. She slowly walked towards him, her hands trembling slightly as she smoothed down her dress.

Kendric noticed the way her shoulders hunched inward, like she was trying to make herself invisible. He frowned, the thought passing through his mind that maybe she was just shy. He decided to try another approach.

"You don’t have to be scared." he said softly, his voice kind. "We’re family now. It’s okay." He took a step back, gesturing toward the door. "Come on. Everyone’s waiting for you."

Aria hesitated, her eyes darting from Kendric to the door. She could feel the anxiety building up inside her like a wave, threatening to drown her. She wanted to say something, to tell him that she wasn’t scared of them, but of herself, of the voice she hadn’t used in over a decade. But she couldn’t. The words got stuck in her throat, choked back by years of silence.

She nodded slowly instead, hoping it would be enough, and followed Kendric out of the room.

He seemed relieved, giving her a quick smile as he led the way down the hallway.

"I’m Kendric, by the way." he added, as if realizing she might not know. "I’m your...uh, one of your younger brothers."

𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤. 𝘈𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.

She swallowed hard, trying to make sense of it all.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦?

She didn’t know their names, their faces, only Leonardo had been introduced to her properly. The rest were still strangers, and it made her stomach churn with nerves.

As they approached the dining room, Aria’s heart pounded harder, the familiar tightness in her chest returning. The voices of her brothers drifted out into the hall, low and indistinct, but she could sense the tension in the air.
When she stepped into the room, all conversation stopped. Three pairs of eyes turned toward her, and the sudden attention made her freeze, her body locking up like it always did when she felt trapped.