Short Writes

Muted Love

'Breathe in, breathe out,' I thought to myself as I jogged down the never ending streets. 

I sat down on a bench I was passing by. I sucked in my breathe and let it out. A shiver traveled down my spine. It was the chilly breeze of April. It was still around 7 in the morning, still early enough that only a few cars passed by the quiet streets. Too quiet if you ask me. Few people past by walking their dogs as I passed them before. They're the closest to human contact I've had within a week. 

Letting out a sigh, I slapped my hands on my knees and got back up. Deciding not to continue this pointless jog, I zipped up my hoodie and stuffed my hand into my pockets. On my way back to my apartment, I noticed a man I have never seen before. Well, at least around these streets anyways. I lived in a neighborhood where everyone knows each other.

The man looked around my age, early 20's. He sat with his head hung low on another bench near the apartment complex. He had ear buds in with closed eyes. His black hair covered most of his face.

Not wanting to be noticed, I quickened my pace. I almost made it past him until he looked up and his blue eyes met my brown ones. Taken back by his crystal blue eyes, I sent him a small smile which he didn't return. I continued walking anyway.

Reaching into my pockets to grab my keys, I realized that my phone was the only thing there. This hasn't been the first time I've done it either. I've had to gone get a new key every so often they're starting to hate me with a passion.

'Clink, clink.'

I turned around and saw the man from before walking towards the door across from mine. He must be my new neighbor then.

"Hello," I greeted.

He surprisingly smiled. I think my heart stopped.

"I guess we're neighbors?" I attempted a conversation.

He nodded.

Must be a quiet one.

"I'm Kara." I stuck my hand out for a handshake.

Instead of taking my hand, he reached into his pockets and took out a small notebook and pen. He scribbled something down and held it up.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ares." I read with a confused expression.

He quickly wrote something down again, then held it up again.

"I'm mute, if you're wondering." He smiled sadly.

"Oh." My mouth formed an 'O' shape. "I see."

Wow Kara, way to be blunt about it.

"Are you new around here?" I needed a subject change desperately.

He thought for a little bit before writing, "No, I didn't move very far from here."

"Ah." I nodded. "I've lived here for a while. If you want me to show you around I can," I offered.

"Maybe another day." He smiled.

"Ok." I returned his smiled.

"Well I'll see you later." He waved.

"Ok, bye." I tried not to sound too relieved. I didn't know what to say to him to be honest.

He unlocked his door, stopped, and turned. Ares glanced at me and wrote something down again. "You going in?"

My cheeks flushed a red color. "I may or may not have lost my key."

He chuckled, or so it seemed he did. 

"You're welcome to come in, Kara." He offered.

"Oh no." I shook my head. "I couldn't."

"I can't leave a pretty lady out here." He smirked.

"So now you're a lady's man?" I joked.

He shrugged. Ares gestured for me to come in, and so I did. I could get a new copy of the key later.

For the rest of the night I spoke, and he wrote. I had forgotten to get the key that night, obviously. 

That night as I felt a blanket being laid over my body, I dreamed of my muted love.

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Ok, so this story wasn't as great. I kinda rushed it cause I wanted to get something posted.. so yeah.

Hope you guys enjoy though... heh heh.

~Maggy c: