58. LATE FOR CLASS

"Teacher called you both for the social science class." The Class Representative stood on the door making Taliya sigh and grab her books for the projection class and walked out of the class making Murad follow them without a word.

The narrow hallway of Brookfield Middle School was filled with the echoes of students rushing to their next classes. Murad walked quietly behind the class representative, their footsteps creating a soft, rhythmic pattern on the tiled floor. Beside him, Taliya matched his pace, her presence a silent comfort in the chaos of the school day. They were headed to the projection room for their social science class, specifically a lesson on geography. The room was located at the far end of the school, a place rarely visited except for these special sessions.

Murad felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest. Being late was never something he wanted, especially not to a class where attention would be drawn to his muteness. As they approached the room, the sound of the teacher's voice filtered through the closed door. The class had already started, and Murad's heart sank at the thought of interrupting.

Taliya, sensing his hesitation, gave him a reassuring glance. She pushed open the door, revealing a darkened room illuminated only by the soft glow of the projector screen. The sudden burst of light from the hallway drew the teacher's attention, and the room fell silent. Mrs. Roberts, their geography teacher, was a stern woman with sharp eyes that missed nothing. She paused mid-sentence, fixing the two students with a disapproving look.

"Why are you late?" Mrs. Roberts's voice was crisp, cutting through the darkness. The question hung in the air, a challenge more than an inquiry. Murad's throat tightened. The eyes of his classmates seemed to bore into him, and the familiar feeling of panic set in. He looked down, unable to meet the teacher's gaze, his silence a heavy burden.

Before he could spiral further into his anxiety, Taliya stepped forward. Her voice, calm and steady, broke the tension. "Mrs. Roberts, I'm sorry we're late. Murad was noting down the class schedule, and we lost track of time." Her tone was respectful but confident, her words a shield for Murad.

Mrs. Roberts raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but she let out a small sigh. "Very well. Make sure it doesn't happen again. You may take your seats." The tension in the room dissipated slightly as she turned back to the projector, resuming her lecture.

Murad felt a wave of relief wash over him. He glanced at Taliya, grateful for her quick thinking. She had saved him from the uncomfortable spotlight, and for that, he was deeply thankful. He followed her to the back of the room, where a few empty seats awaited. They settled in quietly, the darkness enveloping them as the door closed behind them.

The projector cast a dim, bluish light across the room, projecting a map of the world onto the screen. Mrs. Roberts continued her lecture, her voice a steady drone as she explained the geographical features of different continents. Murad tried to focus on the lesson, but his mind kept drifting back to Taliya's unexpected act of kindness.

In the darkness, it was easier to feel invisible, a welcome change for Murad. The muted light from the screen provided a semblance of anonymity, a place where he could observe without being observed. He stole a glance at Taliya, who was attentively taking notes. Her profile was highlighted by the soft glow of the projector, her expression thoughtful and engaged.

Murad felt a strange warmth in his chest, a mix of gratitude and admiration. He had always been wary of others, fearing their reactions to his silence. But Taliya's unspoken understanding, her willingness to stand up for him, made him feel less alone. It was as if she could see through his silence, understanding the words he couldn't say.

As the lesson progressed, Murad allowed himself to relax. The teacher's voice became a distant background noise, blending with the rhythmic hum of the projector. He felt a sense of calm, a rare and precious feeling. It was as if the darkness of the room had created a bubble around him, shielding him from the world outside.

He glanced down at his notebook, the blank pages waiting for words he couldn't write. Instead, he started to sketch, the pencil moving almost of its own accord. He drew the world map, copying the image on the screen, but added his own touches—mountains where there were none, rivers cutting through deserts, islands floating in the middle of vast oceans. It was a world of his own making, a place where he could escape the confines of reality.

Beside him, Taliya continued to take notes, her pen moving swiftly across the paper. Every so often, she would pause, tilting her head in thought before scribbling down another line. Murad found himself fascinated by her focus, the way she seemed to immerse herself in the lesson. There was something reassuring about her presence, a steady calm that contrasted with the storm of emotions inside him.

As the class neared its end, Mrs. Roberts flicked the lights back on, signaling the end of the session. The sudden brightness was jarring, pulling Murad back to reality. The students began to gather their things, the quiet murmur of conversation filling the room. Murad quickly closed his notebook, feeling a sudden self-consciousness about his drawings.

He stood up, ready to leave, but hesitated. He wanted to thank Taliya, to express his gratitude for her help. But as always, the words caught in his throat, trapped by his muteness. He turned to her, hoping his eyes could convey what his voice could not.