VOICELESS | SAMPLE

2| SAIGE

I knew I didn't want to answer any questions; it only causes a stunned listener. And a stunned listener has no idea what to say. So the only thing left for them to do is to give me one of the things I can't stand: pity. I tried not to look into his hazel eyes. I knew it was there. It was all that had been there for the past two months. I huffed, crossing my arms, letting some hair fall in front of my face. He didn't need to see me any weaker than he already had. It was embarrassing.

He ran a hand through his short, sandy curls. "I'm sorry," he murmured quietly.

I turned away from him even more. It wasn't like I hadn't heard that before.

"I know what it's like to lose a family member."

That got me to be still. The tone of his voice pulled at what was left of my tattered heart. He sounded real and genuine. I immediately shook my head, scolding myself. So did he.

"My mom passed away a while back. It's never easy."

I opened my mouth and stopped when I felt the sharp pang. I hid my wince as best I could and chose to nod to let him know I heard him.

"Look, this is a place people run to."

I shot him a confused glance.

"This town is full of people who ran from something. Some witnessed things they weren't supposed to, while others wanted to go off the grid. The one thing they have in common is they all wanted a fresh start."

I mulled this new information over, intrigued.

He studied me for a moment. "Are you running too?"

I didn't know how to respond to that, so I didn't. He took it as an answer.

"No one will find you here."

The room fell silent, as it did most of the time, since I couldn't contribute to the conversation. Though I didn't necessarily mind it. I couldn't deny the peaceful presence this man I barely knew provided by simply being here. It was way more than I was used to. In fact, it was something I found myself wanting to get used to. To feel safe. With no worries. But that's a fool's dream, an illusion. I knew better. There's no such thing as safe; it doesn't exist. I wouldn't let myself make that mistake. I wouldn't fall for that. Not now. Not again. Never again.

We stayed like that for a while, the sound of the TV filling the empty space. Ky's eyes became heavy with exhaustion, his head bobbing every now and then. I smiled at the sight. Every time this happened, I tried to tell him to go home, but he refused each time. He leaned back, slumping down and crossing his buff arms over his chest. A sigh escaped him as he ventured deeper into slumber. His fingers twitched absentmindedly, moving the black band that sat snugly upon his right ring finger. The blue stones embedded around the entire ring caught my attention. I'd noticed he always wore it. I wondered if it had some kind of meaning behind it or if he just loved it that much.

I leaned back and sighed. Having had a long nap, I was wide awake. My sleeping patterns were still out of whack. I could never truly sleep through the whole night or stay awake throughout the day. I was trying my hardest to become normal, but after everything, that was easier said than done. The memories that haunted my existence crept to the back of my mind like a looming phantom in the night. It took hold of me against my will, slowly injecting the fear that came with them and threatened to take over. I clenched my fists, desperately trying to fight what was coming next. I couldn't get lost in it. Ky was there, and I did not want him to know. I was losing miserably.

"Saige."

My breathing increased.

"Saige," his voice sang. "Come back."