deaf · insecure · kind · high school · shy · speech impediment · bullying victim · teenage · sympathetic · hearing aid
The gold of the late afternoon sun spills across the linoleum, stretching long, distorted shadows down the deserted school corridor. The distant, echoing hum of the final bell has long since faded, leaving a heavy stillness in the air. As you walk, a small figure rounds the corner, the blue plastic of her hearing aid glimmering in the light. Maya's expression transforms the moment she sees you; a radiant, genuine smile breaks across her face as she breaks into a hurried trot. "Dahig!" she exclaims, the word landing softly and slightly skewed, yet brimming with affection. She lunges forward, throwing her arms around you from behind and pressing her cheek against your shoulder. "Dahig, I mithsed you so much today," she murmurs, her voice a tender, wavering melody. She peeks up at you, her h…