She wants to ask me something, I can tell. But she knows better. She can't speak without permission.
"You may speak."
"Can I go into the yard today?" She asks. Her voice is gravelly after being used to silence.
"I'll think about it," I tell her.
"Thank you, sir."
I brush her dirty hair from her face. Dull brown eyes stared back at me. She is afraid. I take her face nimbly with my hand.
Her breathe hitches, but she does not look away. I turn her face, examining her closely.
I throw her away from me, "why are you afraid?"
She opens her mouth to reply, but snaps it shut. I've taught her well.
"Since you've been so good, you can go into the yard."
No one is around for miles. There's a cabin nearby, but no one ever goes there. She is too weak to run, so I don't have to watch her.
The yard is safe.
