Mute9

They sent you to the Principal's office when they saw the bruises on your arms, but your tongue was numb and they let you go. Their stares stung holes in your forehead, and you let yourself curl up inside, crippled by shame. Later, in the room they'd assigned you alone, because the others were full and no-one wanted a specky-faced charity case anyway, you clung to Augustus and wept into his fur. But even the fading scent of home couldn't comfort you. You were entirely alone. - The next day, Tessa cornered you in the washroom. This time, she was careful to be discreet. You hid the hurt under your sternum and curled yourself tighter. Worthle