Yenz turned to Kayla to find her smiling. He raised his eyebrow, but didn't say anything. The bird hopped in between them with the leaf in its mouth, and he estinguished the tornado.

Jeez, even the small action made him tired. He sighed, laying on his back and watching the sun fall behind the lake.

"Ah! If you don't know. I will show you." The bird chipped as she flew away.

I look away after Yenz looks at me. "Sorry. The bird was gossiping. With the leaf. As if the leaf could talk back." I say. I look at the sunset and squint. I turn slightly so I can keep my good ear to the bird.

He laughed, raising his hand. He pulled back the sleeve of his hoodie, squinting at his wrist. Gray veins curled around it, and when he touched them they were searing hot.

Just a side effect from the curse. He told himself, covering his arm again.

I turn back and raise my eyebrows at the markings. But I don't ask. I have found life is easier if I don't ask questions. I yawn and lay back to join Yenz on the ground. The firey colors from the sunset leave all the clouds ablaze.

He saw her watching and turned away. He didn't know how to explain that his power was breaking, and that the cracks were forming on his skin. It was too complicated.

He watched that water turn from gray-blue to orange-green, the people singing to the band drowned out by waves crashing.

I hear a beep. I know the beep. Low battery. My hearing aid needs to be charged. I know Yanz can't hear it, but I still jump at the noise. Don't you dare die. I scold it. I have my other one, but I don't want to use it yet. I focus on the water. The rolling waves crash and the crickets start humming. They just make noise. I don't understand bugs.

I drag my backpack from my back to my lap. I don't like hearing out of my right ear. My parents always yelled into my right ear as a kid. But I can't stand the silence. I know. Ironic. A deaf person that hates quiet. The air smells soft. Woody. A chorus of coyotes yap in the distance.

"Food? Food. Good food? Good food."

He watched her take her bag, shuffling through it.

Yenz looked at his watch. It was almost ten. He scanned the horizon, trying not to think too much about the lake breeze.

Bad things happened when he thought too much about it.

I glance at the sun. "My roommate is going to be worried if I stay to much longer." I mention. Sarah always freaks out if I am not back by 11. "We should head back soon." But I don't stand up. It is so nice right here. I yawn adust my hearing aid in my ear.