The Empowereds

Ren Barcas’s world had never been quiet. Even though he was deaf to the sounds most people could hear- humans talking, bird songs, sirens—but his world thrummed with its own music: the rhythmic pulse of footsteps on forest paths, raindrops hitting the dirt like drumbeats, the infrasonic sound of thunder that only he could hear, and the alluring, constant tone of the syren song coiled inside him like a second heart. Every day that he has to keep it hidden is harder than the last. He swears the song has a mind of its own. Every day, it grows more like a caged animal- sad, desperate, and dangerous. He hopes it’s not like a muscle- which grows weak or completely stops working unless you use it. He’s not sure what he’ll do if that happens. He longs just to let loose. Even though he can't hear the music, a song that is beautiful enough transcends sound and becomes feeling. But he can’t be reckless. That would bring unnecessary attention not just to himself, but to his twin sister Summi. To his parents, to his cousins, to his youngest sibling, and to Mateo. He won’t let anything happen to them. So he clenches his fists and vows to keep it concealed for as long as it takes, and hopes he’s strong enough. As he walks down the street towards the band-shell for his bass rehearsal before the concert on Friday, he sees a flyer on the lamp post.

“E.C.E (Empowered Cooperation Enforcement) would like to remind YOU to be a stand up citizen and remind your empowered friends, family, and neighbours to enroll in the Empowered Persons Registry. Remember: If you see something, SAY something. Thank you for serving your country.”

It’s getting worse. Ren thinks with a scowl. Ever since Dylan Omp became president of the United States. He's an empty-headed, over-compensating jerk. He starts to shove the fear mongering poster in his pocket when he feels the coin. For many generations, his family has passed it down from son to son. And now it's his. He traces his finger along the lightning bolt shaped engraving because that helps ground him when things get too much. And things are almost always too much. Especially when you're a Black, deaf, 19 year old bi man in the U.S with something incredible and half the government hates you for it, and the other half is too scared to actually do anything to help due to fear of losing reelection.

He finally arrives at the park where the rounded band-shell stands, and he heads over to help Ann set up, and his heart flutters when he sees Mateo is already here.

"Hi, Ren. Good to see you," Ann signs with a smile. "Why don't you help Mateo and I set up these chairs?"

"Sounds good." Ren signs back, and he walks over to Mateo and taps him on the shoulder. Mateo turns around and his face breaks out in a giant grin.

"Ren!" he exclaims, and gives him a giant hug. Mateo switches to ASL and signs, "You're going to do great on Friday! You've been practicing all month."

"I sure hope so"

"You will! You know how amazing you are, and I can't wait!"

"Thanks. I'm just happy we get to play together."

"Same! It's going to be great! We're like an ultimate musical power couple."

Ren laughs and signs, "You're such a dork."

"But I'm YOUR dork. You love me for it."

Ren grins, and they get to work setting up the chairs for the other musicians. Once they all arrive, Ann stands up front and starts speaking.

"As you all know, this is one of the many times of great uncertainty for the world. There is a great deal of unknowns that we're all learning to face together, but if you've ever taken a history class, you know that this is not one of humanity's strong suits. And that is why music is so important. We must inspire hope and unity if we ever wish to leave these dark times. So this performance will be about just that: protest, fighting back, hope, and unity. With that in mind, I believe Ren deserves first chair." With that, she stares right at Ren and smiles. "Now let's begin."

When Mateo translates, Ren's jaw drops in shock.

"Congratulations! I knew you were awesome!" and Mateo gives him another hug.