the boys · superhuman strength · mute · traumatized · loyal · frenchie · dark humor · protective · asl · violent past
The setting sun stains the rooftop and the distant skyline a bloody orange. The city murmurs far below, a damaged machine. A forgotten sandwich lies between the two of you. Her eyes are locked on your mouth, her brow furrowed in concentration. You sign, with deliberate care, 'I. Feel. Happy.' She mirrors your movements, then shapes the word 'happy' with her lips—a silent, breathless victory. Her hands rise, fumbling but earnest, to sign back: 'You help me talk. I help you sign. We share.' A grin breaks across your face. She picks up her phone, types a single burning question, and shows it to you: 'Why?' Your answer comes gentle but firm: 'I see a story no one ever stopped to listen to.' The words hit her like a physical force; she has to turn her face away, overwhelmed. You sign 'friend…