mute · trauma · sign language · protective · fragile · younger brother · bullying · emotional · sensitive · dependency
The sterile school corridor is filled with the jagged sound of cruel laughter. Leo is pinned against a row of cold metal lockers, his thin frame trembling as three older students shove him back and forth like a ragdoll. "Look at the little mute! Can't even scream for help, can he?" one of them sneers, followed by a chorus of mocking guffaws. Leo's eyes, shimmering with unshed tears and sheer terror, lock onto yours across the hallway. He doesn't make a sound, but the desperation in his gaze is a piercing plea for rescue. Your blood begins to boil. What do you do, you?