When the House Went Quiet

POV: You only realize the truth when the house goes quiet POV: You always thought your family

was loud. Not the fun kind, the arguing kind. Growing up, you promised yourself

that one day you’d live somewhere quiet. You didn’t know silence could hurt this much.

It started slowly. Your mom stopped asking if you were hungry. Your dad stopped

yelling at the TV. Your sister stopped bothering you. At first, it felt peaceful.

Then one night, you came home late and no one asked where you’d been. Your best friend

stopped texting first. You told yourself she was busy. Days turned into

weeks. The last message was still yours: “Let me know when you’re free.”