They taught us not to be loud

when something hurt.

To swallow the ache

like it was rude to mention.

We learned how to nod

while breaking.

How to laugh

with our ribs caving in.

I turned heat creeping up onto my face “for what?” I said gruffly 

Kael grinned “yeah why should we?” 

She turned to Elias “you didn’t tell them?” 

He shrugged “you never said when”