Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 31: Hush

Vivian slowly wakes from her nap, her eyes landing on the still-sleeping blonde. She's momentarily captivated by Siobhan's peaceful beauty. At some point in their sleep, they'd ended up facing each other, their noses almost touching. Without realizing it, Vivian reaches out, gently tucking a stray strand of golden hair behind Siobhan's ear.

Siobhan stirs at the touch, a soft, content "hmm" escaping her lips as a sleepy smile spreads across her face. Slowly, her eyes flutter open. "Viv..." she whispers, her voice warm and groggy, before leaning forward to wrap her arms around Vivian.

Vivian giggles at the unexpected closeness. "Who would've thought Siobhan Serpent would be so clingy?"

Siobhan pulls back with an exaggerated scoff, playfully shoving Vivian's shoulder. The action, lighthearted in intent, has far more force than Siobhan realizes. Vivian lets out a surprised yelp as she tumbles off the bed in a tangle of blankets.

"Oh shit, Viv!" Siobhan scrambles to the edge of the bed, her heart racing as she watches Vivian slowly stand, cheeks flushed. "I'm so sorry—I didn't mean to— I didn't realize—"

"Bon," Vivian interrupts softly, holding up her hands as if to calm her. "I'm not mad. I'm fine. See?" She spins in place dramatically, showcasing her unscathed self. "Honestly..." She smirks, stepping closer, her voice dipping into a teasing tone. "I kinda found it sexy. Didn't know you had it in you."

Vivian extended her hand to Siobhan, a playful smile on her lips. "Let's watch a movie. Have you seen Hush?"

Siobhan tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face. "What's that?"

Vivian chuckled, already knowing the answer. "It's a thriller. How do you feel about those?"

One of my favorites. It's intense and unpredictable, but it always leaves me inspired. I remember watching it after Chris had stripped away every ounce of strength I thought I had. This movie reminded me I wasn't powerless—that I could survive, even when he made me believe I couldn't.

Siobhan's eyes widened slightly, and she hesitated before whispering, "They... make me clingy."

For a moment, Vivian stared, caught off guard by the honesty. Then, she burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room. "Bon, I'm so okay with that!" She tugged Siobhan to her feet, grinning. "Come on, let's grab some popcorn and get cozy."

Viv warms my heart. She makes me feel like I'm finally home. But how do I hold on to this feeling, knowing Roger is still out there? He hasn't tried anything yet... Maybe I can just hide away and hope he never does.

Downstairs, the smell of butter filled the air as the microwave hummed. Vivian leaned against the counter, tossing kernels into her mouth as Siobhan hovered beside her, watching the bag inflate. "You're really invested in this popcorn, huh?" Vivian teased, nudging her lightly.

Siobhan shot her a look but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "It's important."

"Oh, totally. Life-changing." Vivian rolled her eyes dramatically before grabbing the bag as it beeped. "Come on, let's see how clingy you get."

Not long into the movie, the sound of a fire alarm blared from the screen, the strobing lights illuminating the kitchen. Siobhan tensed as the scene shifted—there, in the corner of the window, a masked figure appeared for only a split second.

I've never seen a movie like this, with a deaf main character. I love how it highlights the tools and adaptations that make everyday life accessible. It's eye-opening to see how thoughtful modifications can ensure everyone has the opportunity to live fully and independently.

"Oh my God!" she yelped, jumping before instinctively nuzzling as close to Vivian as she could. She burrowed into the older woman's side, clutching at her arm.

Vivian glanced down at her, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Do you think you could get any closer, Bon?" she teased, her voice soft with amusement.

Siobhan sighed, letting out a nervous laugh. "Well... I did warn you, babe."

Vivian chuckled, wrapping an arm around Siobhan. "Fair enough. But at this rate, you'll be in my lap before the scary part."

She felt Siobhan stiffen slightly, her sharp glare practically burning into her. "...before the scary part?" Siobhan repeated, her voice dripping with mock offense.

Vivian grinned, tightening her arm around her. "I mean, I wouldn't complain."

By the end of the movie, Siobhan was speechless, curled up in Vivian's lap. She'd had her fill of "jump scares" for the evening, but something about the story lingered. Watching the main character fight so relentlessly against overwhelming odds struck a chord deep within her.

Siobhan felt a spark of something she hadn't in a long time—determination. If that character could find the courage to face her nightmare head-on, so could she. It was time to stop running, to stop hiding. She had to fight too. Not just to survive, but to truly live—and to ensure Roger never had the chance to hurt anyone else again.