"I bowed, ready for his opening move.He closed on me quickly, snapping a series of low kicks at my legs. I easily deflected them and danced out of his... way at an angle. He chased after me with roundhouse kicks. I didn't stay still; I let him use up his energy. The laughing man was using a lot of power in his kicks but not speed."We know you can run well," he said gruffly, frustrated.He closed with me again and thrust a series of hand strikes to my body, which I blocked with my forearms. His. Some days I wish I did. Instead, the deafening blast took my hearing. I have been deaf ever since. Now, I know what you’re going to say. I should be happy that I have a great life and a wonderful family, and I am. But I can say that ever since the accident, my mother has been getting further and further from me. There were times that she and I were close.. we had fun when I was little. But after the blast.. She grew distant. I guess I’m being cryptic. It hasn’t gotten to an unbearable point in. She’s wearing her bra and panty. Her face is really sad. Something is wrong.Me: Having a bad day?Rachel: Yes.Me: Do you want to talk about it?Rachel: No, not really, sorry.I guess sleeping together is out of the question tonight. Let’s not push her.Me: If you need a hug, you know where to find me.Rachel: Thank you, that’s sweet! I hope I feel better tomorrow. Everything is so complicated right now.Me: I hope you get some sleep.Rachel: Good night, Aafi.I went back to my room. That fucking. She still said nothing, even though I could tell she was dying to. I pulled off her white t-shirt and then lowered her arms just long enough to remove her bra, dropping both items of clothing to the ground beside her before returning her hands to the top of her head—leaving her standing before me wearing only her sandals and panties.Her panties had obviously been inspired by The Little Mermaid—they were ocean blue with bright yellow trim and decorated with Ariel and her friends in full color.