A Method of Speech

Chapter One: Drugged

Alright, I don’t remember the date, I don’t really remember much about that entire day.
What I do remember is what I found. I mean, what I found isn’t exactly something a sane person
would forget. I wouldn’t describe myself as sane anymore anyways so I guess you’ll take my
word for it. One's mind can only handle so much.
I guess I’ll start my story where I came to New York. That would be the most appropriate
starting point. It meant a lot to me to go to New York, it was my dream to live in such a grand
city. I was enrolled at a prestigious musical arts school, I was starting in just a few weeks, I was
beyond excited. I had an apartment and things were going well, I even had some money to work
off of from my new job. I decided to visit a friend of mine, her name is Johanah, she moved here
last year after she graduated. We planned to live close together just before she left. We were
close even though she was a year above me in high school. She was really chill and never
made fun of people simply because they were younger than her, most other seniors didn’t share
that same trait. I really admired that about her. Not that it matters now.
On my way to her apartment I saw she lived in a pretty shady neighborhood. All of the
buildings were either bars or warehouses—not even any good bars— they seemed super
messed up too. They were completely wrecked and had graffiti all over them. A few even looked
charred, guess that was the place that the fire happened last year. The gutters were stuffed with
trash and the street littered with it. How did she even live there? I’m surprised she hadn’t been
jumped yet if she walked around here daily. It was a cold winter night so I was wearing my nice
jacket and hat, really I just wanted an excuse to wear them. They are my favorites.
Johanah lived on the top floor so I had to climb the metal stairs on the side of the
building to get to her little area. She signed “Oh! Come in, it’s cold.” As if nothing had changed. I
was stupid to think things would be the same… or was I? I had no indication anything was
different, I guess I can’t be blamed for what happened. It was just some dumb luck. Wrong
place, wrong time.
Her house was warm and inviting, everything about it said ‘Cozy’. She made some hot
chamomile tea for us; we always drank tea before. Now that I think about it, that’s probably how
she got me… the tea. It did taste a little bit bitter compared to what I usually drink, I just thought
it was because of the water she used.
We chatted for an hour or so before I decided I had to leave, it all gets hazy after that. I
think she invited me to stay the night… It’s hard to remember, she definitely put something in
that drink.

Sorry the chapter is so short, I just wasn't super motivated to write. I'll try to write 1000+ words next time! I plan on updating around every 3-7 days.

Oh and I forgot to mention, the main character of the story, their name is Sonny, is non binary! That's why the tags have a bunch trans stuff in it if you were wondering. I plan to incorporate some stuff about gender in the next chapter.

Also, comment how you think Johanah changed. I'm curious to hear your theories.

Love,
Jay <3