"Oh," Kiran says, getting a little air as she comes to a halt. "You wanted to tell me something before class."

She stares at me. "Spill."

My smile grows and my hands start to clam up. I'm finally going to tell someone!

I open my mouth to say, "..." My mouth moves, but nothing comes out.

"Doak you okay?" Kiran says, looking me right in the eye.

"I.
Don't.
Know." My voice sounds calm as I say the words. Internally, I'm screaming.

Why can't I say anything?

I can't keep things bottled up.

I NEED to tell her.

I decided I wasn't going to lie anymore.
I was going to tell the truth. But now I can't.

WHY!?

Kiran gives me a look, but as the one minute bell rings she races off. "Talk to you later!"

I stagger to the common area to sit down. It's my free period. I look at the sea of white chairs and matching tables as the tone rings three times.

I'm all alone.

My eyes look down at the mask. This thing controls what I say. The government claims that it's here because people say mean things and to have whole peace we must control our tongues. It has worked for now, it's been 2,000 years since we have had a war.

But do we really need this thing to control us?
In history I learned that since Voice Box was made, all other types of communication were destroyed. These things called 'books' were destroyed, 'writing utensils' too. The school adapted quickly.

I touch the metallic mask that covers my mouth down to my chin. I can't remember what I look like from under this. Why can't I remember?

It's always had this. Just like Father has always...

"...!" I curse, screaming at the top of my lungs.

I hate this thing.

I hate it.

I dig deeply at my skin that is right next to the device.