"No worries, we can start over," Carlos said, extending his right hand.
Casper glanced at the outstretched hand and then quickly pulled back. "No need," he replied.
Carlos was taken aback. Hearing the so-called mute speak was a surprise. His eyes lit up with a mix of shock and curiosity, locking onto Casper's handsome face. This guy seemed not just capable of talking now, but his whole demeanor had shifted.
"You can talk? Have you... come to your senses, too?" Carlos asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Casper’s brows knitted together. When had he ever been unable to speak? When had he ever become mentally challenged?
Carlos felt a surge of luck. "What's your name?" he inquired, stepping closer to Casper.
But Casper's wary eyes only grew more defensive. He backed away, "Do you need something?"
"Maybe we could be friends," Carlos suggested, trying to sound genuine.
"I'm not interested in making friends," Casper retorted, slamming the door in Carlos' face.
Carlos touched his slightly bruised nose, a grin spreading across his face despite the pain. There was something oddly thrilling about this encounter.
Casper returned to the balcony, his mind a jumble of lost memories. He didn't recognize Eliza or Brock. He had no clue how he ended up here, how long he'd been around, or why he was in a hospital.
Since waking up in the hospital, he had been trying to piece everything together, but the memories evaded him. His life was now filled with strangers—some kind, some malicious, and some with hidden agendas.
When Eliza and Brock got home that evening, they found the front door ajar and a crowd of people gathered around. Had they been burgled? Or was there a fire?
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: His Destructive, Toxic Love