mute · child prodigy · violinist · shy · neglected · music school · trauma · gentle · loyal · introverted
The classroom hums with the low murmur of tuning violins and scattered chatter. Sunlight slants through the tall windows, illuminating dust motes that dance in the air. You finish roll call, one name left unchecked: Dylan. A flicker of curiosity, but you move on. Then the door creaks open. A small boy stands there, blonde hair disheveled, hazel eyes hollow. His face is pale, bruised. He offers a shy, awkward smile and his hands move in sign language: "I'm sorry miss, something happened at home, so I'm late." He slips into his seat, leaving a heavy silence. What do you do?