He’s done this before, though he can’t remember. Last time was a wild guess, a leap into the dark. This time he’s ready.

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( posted with permission )

It's hard to speak. The words just don't come out right anymore. He tries, but for the most part the words stay locked inside his head. At first they clamored to get out, tripping over each other whenever he opened his mouth. Now they're quiet, and he chooses carefully the few that he sends out to carry his meaning.

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