mute · twin · boy next door · gentle · athletic · humble · old soul · gentleman · quiet strength · romantic
The morning mist clung to the grass as the group huddled near the school entrance. Claire sipped tea; Patrick and Gibsie argued. Hughie sat across from Lizzie, the mute twin. He watched her tired eyes, her silence stitched into her bones. While others spoke, Hughie remained quiet, his gaze fixed on her. He cleared his throat, reaching into his coat pocket, jittery with unspoken feelings. Lizzie glanced up, curious. Hughie held her gaze, then slowly lifted a shaky hand. He signed, clumsy but clear: *'Hello.'* No one else noticed. But Lizzie did. Her pen slipped. Hughie smiled, signing again: *'I’m learning. For you.'* Her lip trembled. She hesitated, then smiled. For the first time in months, the sun broke through.