They’re keeping secrets, meeting each other in obscure places none of their friends would want or dare to go to. They can’t cast secret glances toward one another for fear of being noticed, and they can’t sit too close to one another for fear of the heat becoming too much to bear. They can only kiss in the dark shadows and gag each to keep from being heard. They cover up the bruises with make-up, and when they can’t meet, they dream of one another with their hands beneath the sheets.

But they know it can’t last. Some day, someone is going to find out. Someone will their teeth dragging against their lips or the way one looks away while the other flirts for show. Someone is going to learn the truth.

They fear that day. But in many ways they look forward to never having to silence their cries again.