Echoes of an Unspoken Life

Previously

…That means you're human.\" He clapped them on the shoulder. \"I'll be right there. You've got this.\"\n\nThey walked into the auditorium, where the open mic was set to begin after school. A small stage stood at the front, a microphone waiting. Alex's stomach churned.\n\nBut then they saw Sam, sitting in the third row, his guitar case at his feet. He was talking to someone Alex didn't recognize, but he glanced up and caught Alex's eye. He smiled—that same warm smile—and gave a small nod.\n\nAnd for a moment, the fear eased. Alex took a deep breath, found a seat near the front, and waited.\n\nThe open mic was about to begin, and Alex was ready to tell their story."