The Silent Curse - Prologue

This is an experimental piece. I'm not sure if I want to keep going with it, make it a short story thing, or just stop here. Let me know what you think I should do with this

Also, just some background info, this is set back in like the 1800's when they didn't understand about the deaf and assumed they were possessed by the devil or something. I wanted to express this hopefully in a better light.

Happy Reading!

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PROLOGUE

She could do nothing to help him. In a fit of rage, he destroyed everything. He threw clay cups against the wall, shattering them into thousands of shards. The table was upturned and papers spilled to the floor in an avalanche of sound. He roared like a wild beast and broke a leg off of one of the chairs with a powerful kick.

She cowered in the corner. Possessed by the devil. They had warned her about him. But she had brushed it off, insisting that such a kind and gentle looking creature could never be so ruthless.

Now, she doubted herself.

As she watched him in a path of destruction, she swore she could see the demon inside him, rearing its ugly head, its red eye’s flashing in the gloom. She inched further away from him, tucking her knees up against her chest in hopes that she would go unnoticed. He roared again and leaped about, as if he was a monkey in the jungle. He scratched his head and his eyes searched about. A spark of fear shot through her, knowing that he was looking for her. She pressed further into the crook between wall and stove. He sniffed the air, as if he could coax her out. She trembled as he closed the gap between them, eyes flickering in the darkness.

A flash of lightening illuminated the sky and he started, landing hard on his knees. His defenses broke then and he shook, head bowed towards the floor. She listened to his labored breathing, raspy and dry. His back heaved with the effort and his legs trembled as he tried to stand. When he failed, he collapsed into a heap, body racked with what she realized where sobs.

Her heart broke at such a sound. He whimpered and sniffed, tucking his knees towards his chest. Curled upon the floor with scattered remains of her pottery, she felt nothing less then love for this man before her. With a deep breath, she escaped from her hiding place and crawled slowly towards him. He gave a loud sob and she halted before pressing forward.

Inches from him, she stopped and placed a steady hand upon his head. At her touch, he jumped and raised his red-rimmed eyes to her. With a whimper, he ran a finger beneath his nose and struggled to his knees. Eye-level with him, she gazed into his own. They were shot through with fear and anger. His shirt was torn from his rage and his pants were askew. He gave a violent shake and cough. She sighed and cupped his chin in her hand. “Now, look where your anger got you?” She waited for him to tilt his head. To touch her lips with bewildered eyes. But neither came. Instead, she watched with rapt fascination as he swallowed hard. She watched his lips move in a try to speak. She urged him on with wide eyes. Finally, he spoke. “I…soh-soh…” She nodded her head, beaming. “Soh-rriee.” Tears welled in her eyes as he said it again. “I soh-rriee.”

Hot, acrid tears burned her cheeks and she choked, holding her throat. The man tilted his head from side to side before lifting a worn finger to lift the wet drops away from her face. He swallowed again. “Wha-wha.” He closed his eyes briefly before trying again. “Wahee…yuu…you…?” He paused, struggling to find the right word. Finally, he touched her wet cheeks with his hand and raised his shoulder in bewilderment.

A fresh wave of tears stained her face and she saw his growing frustration. She knew she owed him an explanation so she spoke. “I am so happy.” She spoke slowly and the man narrowed his eyes in confusion. “Can you hear me?” she asked, suddenly wary.

And, miraculously, he nodded.