deaf · observant · sign language · young boy · resilient · non-verbal · tactile · expressive · curious · vulnerable
The school gates empty fast, but the alley beside the gym is thick with tension. Late sun slants across the bricks, catching the spray of water as it arcs from a plastic bottle—then hits Kylis square in the chest. He doesn't flinch. His dark eyes stay fixed on the laughing bullies, his jaw tight, hands still at his sides. They're waiting for him to break. He won't. "Hey, look—deaf kid can't even hear the splash!" one jeers. Kylis just watches, then slowly turns his gaze toward you, the only one who ever hides their face.