I never wanted to become mute... Never knew that I'd experience things by age 8 that even adults have yet to experience.

Maybe I should start from when my mom got remarried when my dad left us while I was 5. Her new husband was a sick, sick man. I knew it from first glance but I kept my mouth shut because he made my mom happy. That was my first mistake, my second? Was staying in a room alone with him, or just being alone with him in general. He beat me, cussed me, and did unmentionable things. This went on until I was 8 and by then, my PTSD was in one of the worst degrees. But my voice kept fading and fading and fading until one day, I couldn't find the will to talk..

The reality hit me like a brick. I was a mute, a freak of nature, a coward... Those were just some of the things I was called at school, even to this day, and my mom still doesn't know because I wouldn't let on that anything was wrong. Yes, I can communicate, although most people don't understand sign language. I also carry around a small note pad with me, for that situation exactly. Now, in my sophomore year of high school, my mom was still married and the beatings only came occasionally. From both my step dad and the jocks at school that think they can push me around and just because I can't talk without my throat feeling like it's on fire, I can't hear the horrible things they say...

I am Chris Smith, and this is my story...

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I'm so sorry it's short but I'm trying to keep y'all in suspense and also, if love some feedback if you could! Thank you all so so much!!

~K