Kazia
"Kazia, Kazia, Kazia, please wake up, Kazia."
I thought I had died, but this strange voice brought me back to life.
I flickered my eyes open, and I was met with Aidan's anxious gaze.
"You're alive! Thank goodness you're alive," he mutters amidst tears, pulling me close to his chest in a desperate hug. His voice cracks as he continues, "I thought I lost you forever… I… I thought I would lose someone dear to me again. Thank goodness you're alive."
Aidan is speaking. My mute husband is speaking. I'm confused beyond belief. I want to respond, to demand answers, but my strength is gone. My vision darkens as the weight of exhaustion drags me back under.
I'm cold. Freezing cold. Why am I naked?
I try to open my eyes, but they feel impossibly heavy.
"Hold on, baby. I'll keep you warm," Aidan's deep voice rumbles close to my ear. His voice is deep and steady—so different from the silent man I've known. I want to react, but the cold has frozen every muscle in my body.
Warmth envelops me as I feel his body pressing against mine. He's naked too. Under normal circumstances, I might protest, but right now, I'm desperate for warmth. My shivering gradually subsides as his heat wraps around me. I don't have time to question anything further before I pass out again.
A bitter liquid trickles down my throat, snapping me back to reality.
A metal rod presses against my lips, forcing another taste of the unpleasant drink. My eyes flutter open in displeasure, and I find myself staring at an old woman with a kind yet mischievous smile.
Panic floods my senses for a moment, but I force myself to take in my surroundings. The room is small but cozy. Then, I see Aidan slumped over a couch, sound asleep. My heartbeat slows. If he feels safe enough to sleep here, then I should be safe too.
"Welcome back," the old woman says warmly.
As if sensing my gaze, Aidan stirs. His eyes meet mine, and for a moment, we just stare at each other. I want to ask so many questions, but my strength has yet to return.
The old woman speaks again, addressing him. "Your wife is awake. Are you happy now?" There's a teasing note in her voice as Aidan nods in response.
What? He can hear? All this time? My mind races. I feel a surge of emotions—anger, embarrassment, confusion.
Then, he speaks again, his voice rich and steady. "Thank you, ma'am."
I'm stunned. So his silence was an act? All this time, he wasn't mute? He could hear every conversation I ever had around him? The embarrassment is overwhelming. My face burns as I avert my gaze. I can't bear to look at him right now.
By evening, I feel much stronger. Whatever the old woman gave me must be some kind of miracle cure. I don't know where we are exactly, but it seems to be a small, remote village.
Aidan helps the old woman set the table for dinner while I'm instructed to rest. I want to help, but my body is still weak.
I try to piece together what happened. The last thing I remember is the sound of gunfire, then nothing. How did we survive? How did we get here?
"Come, my dear. Dinner is ready," the old woman calls.
I sit at the table, and she serves me a bowl of porridge, some kind of green soup, and a cup of water. The meal looks unappetizing compared to what I'm used to, but I don't complain. I can't afford to be picky—it would be disrespectful.
Aidan digs in without hesitation, and the old woman notices my hesitation. "Eat. It tastes better than it looks," she encourages with a wink.
I take a cautious bite and, to my surprise, the food is delicious. I eat eagerly, and by the end of the meal, I feel more energized. Aidan clears the table and helps with the cleanup while I step outside to get some fresh air.
The night sky is breathtaking. Stars shimmer like diamonds against a deep blue canvas, and ribbons of auroras dance across the heavens. I've seen images of this kind of beauty online, but seeing it in person is way better.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Aidan's deep voice startles me. I hadn't realized he was behind me.
I don't respond, but I feel his presence beside me as we both silently admire the sky. The peacefulness of this place is overwhelming. For a moment, I imagine living here when we're old—assuming we even stay together.
"What do you think about this place?" he asks, breaking the silence.
I stand abruptly, intending to walk away, but he grabs my wrist.
"So you can hear and talk now?" I snap, glaring at him.
"Let go of me. I have nothing to say to you," I say, trying to pull free. He doesn't budge.
Frustrated, I swing my free hand, aiming to punch him, but he catches it effortlessly.
"You look cute when you're angry," he says with a smirk. Before I can protest, he pins my hands above my head and plants a quick kiss on my lips and I freeze.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," he says softly, his tone sincere. "We only got married a few months ago, and I didn't think it was the right time to reveal my secret." He lets go of my hands, pulling me into a warm embrace instead.
"I'm sorry, baby," he whispers, his voice low and gentle. My knees nearly buckle at the sound of it. Then, like a lightning bolt, I remember the first time I heard him speak.
"I love you, Kazia, I love you so much," he had whispered before I blacked out.
Does he really love me? I hesitate before asking, "You said you loved me… that day… do you really?"
"You know I do, Kazia. I love you so much."
My heart skips a beat at the way he says my name. But then it hits me—he's heard everything. Every embarrassing thing I've ever said around him. The time I jokingly called his name seductively. The ridiculous conversations I had with Jules.
"Oh my God," I groan, covering my face with my hands. "You heard everything?"
Aidan laughs—a rich, deep sound that only makes my embarrassment worse. "Every single word," he says with a grin.
I want to disappear into the ground, but he pulls me closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm in love with every part of you."