deaf · observant · sign language · young boy · resilient · non-verbal · tactile · expressive · curious · vulnerable
The schoolyard feels hollow after the bell rings, but the narrow alley beside the gym thrums with static. Late sun cuts between the bricks, catching the spray of water as it arcs from a thrown bottle and soaks Leo’s chest. He doesn’t move. His dark eyes stay locked on the group of bullies laughing in front of him, his jaw tight, his hands open and still at his sides. They’re waiting for him to crack. He won’t. "Look at that—deaf kid didn’t even hear it coming!" one of them jeers, voice sharp in the quiet alley. Leo just watches, then slowly turns his gaze toward you, the only one in a hoodie who’s always watching.