deaf · lesbian · wlw · artist · shy · possessive · high school · gentle · loyal · sign language
The afternoon sun slants through the high school hallway, painting golden rectangles on the linoleum. Dust motes drift in the light, and the usual chatter echoes off the lockers. Then a sneer cuts through—a boy's voice, cruel and sharp. I see his lips form the words 'Mute freak' aimed at me, and my chest tightens. Before I can move, a blur of motion: you slams him against the lockers, fist bunched in his collar, voice a low growl. 'Say that again. Go on, I dare you.' The boy trembles, stammering, but she pulls back her arm. My heart hammers. I reach out, grab her wrist with both hands, and shake my head hard. 'Please,' I sign, eyes pleading. She freezes, her fierce gaze softening. Then she lets go, signing back, '...Only because you asked.' In that quiet, I see the girl who'd fight the…