Mute

S I X

*Nicole's POV*

I haven't moved in almost two weeks, scared that if I did, he would get me again. Maggie, Beth and dad keep coming, trying to get me to talk or do anything really. Daryl actually came in once, saying that he found my crutches, and now they're laid up against the wall, unused. I panicked everytime the door would open, thinking he was coming back for round two, but he never has and i'm grateful. 

Dad walks in, a plate of food in his hand and his smile the same as usual, big and bright. He lays down the food and stares at me.

"Nicole, as your father, I'm telling you after you eat, you are going to get up and use crutches." Dad instructs, using his fatherly voice, something he doesn't do much. I finally nod, earning an even bigger smile from him. He walks out, happy as can be, leaving me alone to eat.

I pick at the beans, meat and mash potatoes, then start eating. A wave of nausea hits me all at once. I gag, leaning over the side of my bed and grabbing my trash bin, chucking up what little I had in me. I stare at the floor, regaining my breath and claiming myself. Dad burst through the door, scaring me shitless. 

"You ok?" Dad asks, eyeing my carefully. I shrug and reach for my board and markers, and do something i haven't done in a couple of weeks, write. "I feel fine. Just threw up a little." 

"I'll change the bag." Dad sighs, smiling slightly at me. I nod and try eating again. This time it stays in me. I finish eating and lay my plate down, sighing and staring at the ceiling. Am i ready to go face them? The group? Ready to be asked million questions? To see 'him'? The answer to those questions are no but i'm going to anyway, for my family's peace of mind.

I close my eyes for a brief second and take in a long, deep, breath, then releasing it. I reach over and grab my crutches. I hold them for a second, then find the strength in me to get up. I wobble at first, then get the hang of it again. I walk to the door and open it. I haven't took a shower and a long time, which is what i plan on doing, somehow. 

I walk out into the hallway, greeted by an empty hallway. I start limping forwards, making my way to Maggie's room. The door was already opened slightly, so I pushed it the rest of the way open and limped inside, going to take some of her clothes. 

Maggie shot up out of her bed, seeing me. She smiled and came over to me, engulfing me in a giant hug. I send a small smile, and pull away. I point to my clothes and then to her closest, telling her I need clothes. She nods and goes to her closest, pulling out a grey tank top and some ripped jeans. I take them from her and nod in appreciation, thanking her. 

"You should go see Beth. She misses you." Maggie speaks, as I walk out the door. I don't respond, I just keep on walking to the bathroom, ready to enjoy a long, warm shower. 

*Zoeys POV*

"Your hands look heavy. Here let me hold them for you." Glenn says another corny pickup line. This is like the fifth one today and the millionth in the past two weeks. I laugh, shaking my head, as he picks up my hands in his. I've got to admit though, it might be cringy, but it's cute at the same time.