Page 65 of Wicked Ties


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The cochlear implant itself is an amazing piece of technology, allowing me to experience sound in a way that was once impossible. A small electronic device surgically implanted behind my ear. It works by bypassing the damaged parts of my inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. The signals then travel to my brain, where they’re interpreted as sound.

“Great job, Spencer!” Percival cheers me on from across the room, his enthusiasm infectious. “You’re doing so well.”

“Thanks,” I reply shyly, still getting used to speaking aloud. Before my surgery, I relied heavily on sign language and lip-reading to communicate, but now that I can hear my own voice, I’m working on finding the right balance between my old and new worlds.

“Alright, let’s move on to the next exercise,” Dr. Hopkins says, handing me a stack of cards with various words printed on them. My task is simple yet daunting—to read them aloud and attempt to match my speech with the sound of my own voice.

“Apple,” I say hesitantly, still feeling strange about hearing myself speak. But as I continue reading through the cards, my confidence grows. I glance over at Percival, who beams proudly at my progress. This journey may be difficult, but as long as I have him by my side, I know I can overcome any obstacle.

“Bravo, Spencer!” Dr. Hopkins exclaims, clapping her hands together. “You’ve come a long way in such a short time.”

“Thank you,” I respond, my cheeks flushed with pride and gratitude. As we wrap up our session for the day, I can’t help but feel hopeful about what the future holds.

With each passing day, my world grows richer, filled with newfound sounds and experiences. And it’s all thanks to the love and support of the man who has shown me what it truly means to belong.

A cool breeze brushes against my face as we step onto the sand, the ocean stretching out before us in a vast expanse of blue. The rhythmic crashing of waves fills my ears, and I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the beauty of it all. The ocean has always been a source of comfort for me, but its sound is something I never knew I needed until now.

“Isn’t it amazing, Spencer?” Percival asks, his voice filled with excitement as he watches my reaction to the symphony of sounds around us.

“Absolutely,” I reply, my green eyes sparkling with joy. “I can’t believe I get to experience this now.”

“Come on, let’s sit down,” he suggests, leading me to a spot on the sand where we can fully take in the view and the soothing sounds of the ocean.

As we settle into our spot, I pull out my phone and open up my playlist. Tina Turner’s powerful voice comes to life, her music has become one of my favorite discoveries since regaining my hearing. As “Simply the Best” plays, I can’t help but dance along, feeling the beat of the song resonate through my entire body.

Percival chuckles, watching me with an amused grin. “You know, I never pegged you as a Tina Turner kind of girl. But I have to say, it suits you.”

“Really?” I ask, trying not to blush at his teasing comment.

“Absolutely,” he replies, his tone playful. “There’s something about her strength and passion that reminds me of you.”

“Are you saying I’m simply the best?” I joke, wiggling my eyebrows.

“Of course!” Percival exclaims, joining me in an impromptu dance party on the beach. We laugh together, moving to the rhythm of the music, the waves providing a natural soundtrack for our moment of joy.

I look into Percival’s eyes, grateful for everything he’s brought into my life. In this moment, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and the sound of Tina Turner, I know that I have found my true home—and it’s right here, by his side.

~~~

A few days later, I find myself sitting on the couch in Percival’s lavish living room. The sun streams through the large windows, casting a warm glow on everything it touches. Despite my newfound love for sound, I still find comfort in silence. My recovery hasn’t been easy, and I often feel overwhelmed by the cacophony of noises that surround me. In these quiet moments, I can take a deep breath and gather my thoughts.

“Hey, Spencer,” Percival calls out as he enters the room, his voice gentle and understanding. “How are you feeling today?”

“Good,” I reply softly, my shyness creeping back in when it comes to speaking. It feels like I’m relearning how to navigate the world, and sometimes, it’s just easier to retreat into my own little bubble. But I know I can’t stay there forever, especially not with Percival by my side, that includes driving classes. We are going slow, but every step ahead means progress.

He sits down next to me, leaving enough space between us to give me some breathing room. “I was thinking we could go to the beach today. Get some fresh air and maybe even have a picnic. What do you say?”

“Count me in,” I respond, smiling at the thought of spending the day outside with him.

“Great! I’ll get everything ready then.” He hops up from the couch and heads toward the kitchen, his excitement contagious.

As I watch him go, the words I’ve been wanting to say for so long swirl around in my head. I love you. It’s such a simple phrase, yet it feels like an enormous mountain to climb. I know that I need to express my feelings, especially now that we’ve grown so much closer. But every time I try to speak those words, they stick in my throat, held captive by my anxiety.

“Spencer?” Percival asks, noticing my distant expression. “Are you okay?”

I blink, snapping back to reality. “Yes, I’m fine. Just lost in thought.”

“About anything in particular?” His gaze is warm and caring, inviting me to share my innermost thoughts.

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