The Mute
Warning: Contains talk of abuse
The Mute dropped her arm but didn’t respond. She just kept looking at him. It was unnerving, he hated it. She wouldn’t stop staring at him. What was that look for?!
“Stop looking at me like that.” He’d meant for the words to come out more assertive, demanding. Instead they came out weak and trembling. Pathetic.
Surprisingly she obliged and averted her gaze, staring outwards into the woods while Tora hastily wiped tears from his face in embarrassment. He didn’t like what she was insinuating. He didn’t like talking to her. He didn’t like this at all.
“You weren’t the only one.” The Mute said finally, still looking away from him. “Many were abused in that guild. Though I suppose… you were a special case.”
“Oh really?” He snapped. “In what way?”
“I…” She paused, seemingly thinking through her next words carefully. “I saw the basement, Tora Zollun.”
The color from Tora’s usually teal coloured face drained. Baya’s basement – he could still see it though he tried not to. He remembered the stench, the damp cold air, the feel of metal against his wrists, the hungry rats –those awful fuckin’ things!– nipping at his skin…
“No one’s seen the basement. It’s locked.” Tora lied.
“It was open the day you emerged from it.”
“…Don’t.”
“You went missing for four days, and then you appeared from the basement. I went then.”
“So what?! So what if I was there?! You don’t even know why!”
“Do I have to?”
“I- Of course you-! You know what? Forget this. You have your mask. I’m sorry I took it. I’m leaving.” Tora strode past her, fuming.
“Baya wasn’t a good person, Tora Zollun.”
“YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW HER!” In an instant Tora was back and in The Mute’s face, snarling. “You act like ya jus’ fuckin’ know everythin’ bout everyone, huh? This person was abused and that person’s bad, and ‘Oh! You’re a special case!’ But what about Baya?! What about her, huh?! Ya couldn’t tell she was hurtin’?!”
