homeless FOREVER what am i even doing

[morphinglinguist]

[ An Asian teen in a wheelchair comes rolling in from... somewhere. He opens his mouth and, well, this comes out ever so slowly: ]

Nnnn--

Nnnnot. Sssso. [ Deep breath. ] Ez-eeee.

[ SIGH. Okay, that's it. He pulls out a cell phone (with a little fumbling) and types out what he's trying to say. ]

Not so easy to "voice test" someone for whom talking is a series of trials and tribulations, is it? Of course, we could always use an alternate method of communication, but you and I both know that's quite the risk. Tempting, though. Very tempting.

Comments

[morphinglinguist]

Yyy- You-

[ Okay, he can turn into any animal he touches, sure. But he's still going to need a moment to let this sink in. With wide eyes, he says: ] Rrr- really?

[wholenewstory]

[Her smile is wry as she nods.] Yes. I - was never taught...words. Just...actions.

[morphinglinguist]

[ He's not sure he should be asking this, but... ] Why?

[wholenewstory]

[Her gaze drops, for a moment.]

Wanted me - to be able to...fight better. Than anyone else.

[morphinglinguist]

[ Even if he could speak, he wouldn't know what to say. Wow, way to make his life seem awesome by comparison, Cass. ]

That's terrible.

A vocabulary of the highest caliber, and yet, I don't have any better words for it.

[wholenewstory]

[She can see his sympathy, and she appreciates it, but she shakes her head.]

It's...okay. I - got out. Found...a better family.

[morphinglinguist]

[ It's a little awkward, but his smile is genuine. ]

A happy ending.