Her name is Cassie; her current state, unstable. She's been abused, suicidal, and now... mute. She was diagnosed with Progressive Mutism. A severe form of Selective Mutism: an anxiety disorder (caused generally from trauma) when the disorder progresses until the person with the condition refuses to speak to anyone in any situation, even close family members. It's not that she doesn't know how, her anxiety just makes it seem impossible. The residential treatment facility for girls she's staying in is trying to help her, but how long can she refuse help until they refuse to try?
Audre is worried about her friends as they struggle with problems that affect their daily lives. She is also worried that something might be wrong with her and that she could never really live a normal life.
This is a short story on how teenage mental illness affects teens' lives.