The World Listens

The next morning, when Noen opened his eyes, he felt a strange kind of peace.

No… not peace. Silence.

He wasn't hearing words, only his own breathing.

No birds singing, no people talking, no bells ringing from anywhere — just emptiness.

"Was this place made for living, or just for passing through?" he whispered to himself.

Down in the yard, Mira and Toren were talking to some locals.

The people smiled, but their eyes were full of fear.

One aunty said,

"Music doesn't play here, son… that thing takes everything away.

There was a boy who used to play here once… but he's gone now."

Noen fell silent.

Beside him, Lio sat holding his drum tightly.

"Big bro, should I hide this? I'm scared…"

Noen gently placed his hand on Lio's shoulder.

"Lio, don't hide it… protect it.

Songs don't disappear, they just wait for the right time to come back."

---

By afternoon, there was a small crowd gathered around a notice board.

Curious, Noen stepped closer.

> SILENCIA ORDER – SECTION 9:

Any musical act, singing, or melody,

whether accidental or intentional,

is considered a punishable offense.

First offense – Jail.

Second – Banishment.

People read it and walked away like it was nothing.

Like they were used to it.

Like they'd already accepted —

this world isn't meant for sounds.

But Noen didn't move.

He found a half-burnt old poster hidden behind the edge of a pillar.

On it, a violin player — eyes closed, arms raised — surrounded by people crying to his song.

At the bottom, it said:

> "The last song ever played in Silencia… made everyone cry.

So they banned tears… by banning music."

Noen's throat went dry.

"So… crying is banned too?

Or is it that feeling anything at all is now a crime?"

---

That night, the caravan stopped in a quiet little alley.

Everyone was exhausted, but Noen's eyes refused to close.

He looked toward the same window.

The girl was there again.

But this time, she didn't just hum.

She whispered a small line:

> "I just want to hear a song… just once…"

For a few seconds, Noen's heart completely stopped.

And without thinking,

he picked up his banjo.

Softly, so quietly, he started playing along with the wind.

No lyrics…

just a melody — one that didn't speak, but could still be heard.

---

A voice suddenly came from behind:

"Are you crazy?!"

It was Sera.

Her eyes wide with fear.

"Noen, this is Silencia. If anyone hears you—"

Noen smiled gently.

"A little girl said… she wants to hear a song.

Even if I have to pay the price, I'd do it… just for her one moment."

Sera fell silent.

And then…

In the city of silence…

a melody finally echoed.

---

To be continued…