Silence

Confused

Confused: being perplexed or disconcerted

- Merriam-Webster

After Sam helped me up to get to my room and after making sure he knew I was fine, I am standing in front of my bathroom mirror, staring at the bruises that harshly kiss my skin. "You okay? You are really quiet." I hear Sam say through the door. I nod before remembering he can't see me, "yeah" I say just loud enough for him to hear.

I carefully undress and shower wishing I could just scrub away the bruises. I get out the shower feeling numb, emotionally drained and numb. As I'm getting dressed, I realise something that makes me freeze. I don't like being touched my anyone. It scares me. Yet, Sam has managed to help he stand up, walk and he has held me. And I didn't feel scared. I felt... safe? Why? I don't understand. Before I can confuse myself any further, I finish getting dressed and limp back to my room where Sam is sitting on my bed. I slowly and carefully sat down next to him wincing from the pain in my ribs.

"I think you should go to a doctor, just to make sure you are okay." Whispers Sam.

I vigorously shake my head. I have never been to a doctor for as long as I can remember. If I even suggested it, I would get punished. So, I didnt.

We just sat there in silence. Me silently slightly wincing every so often when breathing.

Eventually I heard Sam sigh, I looked at him through the corner of my eye, I was curious he clearly wanted to say something but seemed to be at war with himself. "Yes?" I ever so softly whispered, not used to talking as much as I have today. He looked at me as if he was studying me, "Can I stay here with you?"

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Sam's POV

As we sat quietly together, I kept wondering what to do. Why won't she go to the doctor? Shes hurt! I don't want to push her, but all I really want to do is get a professional to say that she will be okay. It hurts every time I see her wincing, even if its silent. Oh goodness, where is she going to stay? Legally she can't stay here by herself without a guardian. I don't want her to have to go to some strangers home. But is it okay to ask her to stay over at mine? I don't want to scare her, more.

I sighed; this is so confusing! "Yes?" I hear in the softest tone ever. I look at her hoping she will give me a clue on what to do to help her. But I got nothing except that I knew I couldn't leave her alone, definitely not tonight. "Can I stay with you tonight?" I asked cautiously. She stayed silent for a while, and after a minute or two I began to panic. Just as I'm about to open my mouth to explain or take back what I said, she whispers out a 'why?' giving me a curious look. It's the first time she has looked at me since she exited the bathroom.

"I don't want you to be alone tonight, especially after everything that happened. Um, and I just want to make sure you are okay and maybe get to know you better. If that is okay?" I say feeling rather nervous for some reason. She gives a very small smile and nods.