Isabelle’s POV

I used to think silence meant peace. That stillness was a reward for surviving the noise.

But now, I’ve learned that silence is where the weight settles.

It’s where every word you never said starts to echo.

Where all the masks you’ve worn crack, just slightly.

And tonight, silence feels heavier than it’s ever been.

The rain outside taps softly against the balcony doors, the city drowned in the hush that only comes with late hours and unresolved war. I sit on the ...