Derek was a little startled at the sudden hug and rush of emotion, though he caught her and tentatively patted her back soothingly, still a tad bit stunned at the force of her gratitude but glad he could help and make someone feel so thankful.
Summer couldn’t remember the last time she’d wished so desperately that she could speak. She wanted to tell him how long she’d been losing hope, how many people had passed her by or even pushed her away. She let him go, scrabbling for the paper, and wrote, ‘you are the first person who wants to help a freak like me’
Derek watched as she scrambled and waited, wondering how badly she’d been hurt to have a stranger agree to help her make her so grateful. He kneeled down and read the paper, frowning lightly. “Hey. You’re not a freak. You’re just different,” he told her.
She cocked her head sardonically at him, eyes narrowed. Then she underlined the word and tapped the pen on it. Underneath she added, ‘I know what I am. I don’t remember but I know I’ve heard it all my life’