Sometimes, he tells me to talk. Just… talk. At first, I didn't really understand – I paused often, hesitated, was so sure he was doing it in some weird attempt to make me happy. But now when given the order, I launch in, not thinking, words tumbling out of my mouth. I tell him about my primary school, my first boyfriend, my secondary school's prom, what I had for breakfast that morning… anything. And he sits there, eyes closed, never speaking, listening intently.

I asked him why, once. He told me my voice 'drowned it out'.

I haven't dared ask what.