Smile In Silence

For the first time in his life, Cy was in a courthouse for reasons other than a field trip. As a fine suit pinched his muscles, he could feel the discomfort of everyone around as well. A surprisingly youthful judge looked over the crowd. Finally, the slamming of a gavel snapped the tension. Or rather increased it. Words were vomited from the judges mouth. Spit out like spoiled milk. Claiming that I was now in custody of my mother-forever. The last he would hear of his father was screaming.

"I don't want to"

"Smile, Cy."

"NO!"

Aer grasped Cy's face, digging her long nails into his cheeks.

"Smile." She said once more, forcing the sides of his mouth up.

"STOP! I QUIT!"

"No quitting." Aer thrust the serrated knife into his cheek.

Unfortunately the pain was not enough for his mouth to go numb. Cy was just writhing there, stifling a scream and forced to take this foul concept as a lesson. He watched his crimson blood trickle down his face. The face of agony.

**I want to give a huge thanks to the writer who has helped me so much with the development of this story, and ultimately thought up the title. (I was of no help). Thank you, @littlest_nightmare . I would also love to credit my cover designer, @IndigoKnight , who has pursued their passion and was very open to making small edits to my requested cover. My cover came out within a day and I love it! I really hope you take their cover shop into deep consideration.

***Not recommended for ages under 10.