Run. Run.

　　Why can't I stop running? Oh god is it there? I could feel my heart pounding. The darkness was consuming all light left, there was no where to hide.

　　The rain was blinding, oh god. The thunder started to shake the earth, I started to feel the darkness consume me....

　　Bzzzzzzzzzzzz. Bzzzzzzzzzzzz.

　　I opened my eyes, realizing it was only a dream. Usually I'm thankful for dreams, they are the only place where I can enjoy noises. I rolled over and turned off my alarm. The buzzing affected my dream because of its intensity, it had to be intense or I wouldn't wake up on time. Days like this I wish I could hear, just so things like thunder would be familiar instead of frightening.

　　After I got out of bed I realized what day it was, it's Sunday the 14th. Today wouldn't normally seem like anything more than ordinary but it's my 18th birthday and marks the begining of meeting my mate. If I don't meet him before my 19th birthday then our bond will be broken and I will never be able to control my wolf. I have tried not to think about it too much because who could accept a deaf mate? The thought of their heart breaking once they realize kills me. Out of everyone in her pack, going back generations she is the only known wolf to every be born deaf. Having heightened smell, taste, and sound are what helps keep our pack alive, it's how we help contribute. Luckily with modernization it wasn't all blood and war anymore but being a deaf wolf still will not be accepted especially since she is the only one.

　　After pondering my thoughts for a bit I finally went to shower and wash my face. God I wish I could hear the water pouring out of the drain.

　　After getting dressed for the day I headed downstairs to see what mom was up to.

　　"Good morning birthday girl!" Mom signed with a smile across her face.

　　I just smiled back, she knew I didn't want to acknowledge it but she has kept her hopes up because she thinks when I find my mate I won't be so worried anymore.

　　"How did you sleep?" She signed and mouthed.

　　"Could've been better" I replied.

　　She nodded setting a plate of french toast down on the island in front of me. My mom and dad were the only ones I've ever spoken to, everyone else I sign or wrote to. Thankfully there wasn't too many people who actually wanted to speak to me, most of the time it's someone trying to harass me for being deaf. I've only ever spoken to one other person, my older sister Alise and I swore after what had happened I wouldn't do it again. Opening up is too hard and trusting no laughter to follow is even harder. Alise wasn't blood related but I've known her since diapers, and got too comfortable.

　　With the lingering thoughts still present I decided I didn't want to eat. I quickly said goodbye to mom and started out the door but before I could shut it I felt someone grab my arm. I turned and saw dad was still home.

　　"Where ya going without saying bye?" He signed with a smile. I turned and gave him a quick hug and pecked his cheek. Usually the door would close behind me but I saw his shadow following me.

　　He signed something to me out of the corner of my eye, that's when I saw it. He had said he would buy me a car on her 18th birthday but I never believed it, he was terrified of me driving so I always assumed I would have to buy my own.

　　"Thank you" I think I yelled, but who cares I'm excited. He tossed me the keys and without hesitation I grabbed them and ran to it.

　　As I started out the driveway I saw mom join him on the porch, for being beta and having a deaf daughter he really did a good job making sure I was happy.

　　I started down the road towards the woods. I couldnt wait to get there. As I pulled onto the side of the road I made sure that no one was around before getting out of the car. I locked it waiting for the lights to flash before turning down my usual path.

　　Every Sunday Alise and I would come here to be free, now I come only on my birthday to release dozens of flower petals into the river. On my 15th birthday Alise and I had come here one last time and she kept saying how much she loved me and how she really hopes my life turns good. I never knew she was so depressed. A tear left my eye as I travelled through the brush, if it wasn't for us fooling around while her dad fixed a flat tire all those years ago we never would have found this place. It was so well hidden by the overgrowth that no one can stubble here on accident. Pushing the last branch out of the way I looked around at the beautiful scene in front of me. The colors were brighter than I remembered, and the water looked so still. As I headed towards the opening I felt something watching me. I laughed at myself, its probably an animal.

　　I sat next to the water and started spreading the petals from my bag.

　　"Hey Alise it's me, Hazel" I began speaking. "Happy birthday." We share a birthday which is why today hurts even more than most. "Dad bought me a car, I'm so excited I wish you could've been here to ride in it with me." I felt eyes on the back of my head, but ignored it because I had more to say before I decided not to say it. "I miss you, it's been 3 years and today still hurts like every other. Oh why did you have to leave?" I couldn't help the tears anymore. Alise killed herself 3 years ago, she was one of the few who found her mate at an early age. Sadly he died in a car accident a year later and Alise couldn't take the pain anymore.

　　I think I saw something move, but nothing was there I told myself again. I sat quietly dropping petals into the water.

　　That's when I saw it, the shadow creeping behind me. Oh god what is that, the shadow began to grow as it got closer.

　　I sat still, not to dare turn my head or make a sound. Maybe it's a bear? It will get bored and leave, but why is it so quiet? I decided to keep dropping petals in as though nothing was wrong and if I did it for long enough whatever it was wou-

　　Suddenly my body was lifted and I was being turned the other direction. I was so shocked I didn't scream. What the fuck?? I said with my eyes widening.