1.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder that affects the muscles of the throat around the vocal cords, causing them to … you know … spasm.
[wiggling my fingers]
It's, like, super rare, and it blows my mind that I somehow won this genetic lottery.
2.
Anyway, the more common one is the adductor type, which is what RFK Jr. has.
[one hand points to a bear riding a bicycle, the other holds up a Venus symbol]
While he's probably the most prominent figure with it, this actually affects women more often than men.
3.
Basically, the spasming muscles push the vocal folds together to create a wobbly, gravelly sounding voice.
[using my hands to squish together a pink circle representing the vocal cords]
4.
The one that I've got is the abductor type where the muscles pull the vocal folds apart to create a wobbly, breathy voice.
[now I pull the pink circle apart]
5.
I can't really use my voice at all anymore. It takes way too much breath to produce sound. And what sound I can make is barely audible. So I just don't talk now.
[I turn a pretend key on my voice box]
However, I do have a voice through the magic of comics!
6.
Some people use Botox in their throat to recover their voice.
[I hold up a can of beets that expired in 1962 with a syringe sticking in the top]
From what I've read, it's only a temporary fix.
7.
I'm not doing that because there is no way I'm putting that stuff into my body.
[I point nervously at my throat]
And a needle in the throat? That's a horror movie!
8.
I'm okay with the loss of my voice. I've accepted it. It doesn't faze me too much. It can be inconvenient sometimes, but it is what it is.
[I wave up my hands]
Now I'm learning sign language as an alternative to spoken communication.
9.
There's way more info about all this at dysphonia.org.
[dry smile directly into the camera]
Check it out if you are so inclined. Or don't. You're a busy person and probably still have a functioning voice.
You got a mute Whumpee on your hands, so what's next?
Depending on the reason why they remain silent (trauma, disfigurement during torture or even innate mutism/deafness) Caretaker has different options to interact, especially if they start out as an unaware stranger:
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
Non-Verbal communication:
Not just gestures or facial expression can convey Whumpee's current mood
Different sounds (e.g. humming) are often clear to everybody
The pitch or tone of these noises can indicate rejection or approval, up to requests for interaction → a curious trill can show their counterpart to continue talking
Written communication:
They just write down what they need, be it on a phone or a notepad
If you sprinkle a bit of a language barrier in there, it gets even better
Cards with pictures of everyday activities or objects. They shorten the time to write down and break any language barrier (a good example is the K&J x MMSS 2 crossover by @whumpsday and @not-a-space-alien)
Text-to-speech with short pre-programmed questions and answers for everyday living, therefore making responses quicker. It also teaches Whumpee to use technology → Whumpee can also customize their voice, thus getting used to "speaking" again
Sign language:
Caretaker and Whumpee can learn to use signs together and practice with each other
They can settle for ASL as a recognized and widely practiced language, visit local classes or make up their own signs if they don't have the options or the setting limits this accessibility
Bonus → Speech therapy:
A bonding moment for Whumpee and Caretaker
BUT also a root for lots of angst and anger, e.g. Whumpee being frustrated with their (lack of) progress and getting upset
Wind grumbled to himself. They had been asking him that all morning . He had woken up to his stomach roiling with nausea, but he could handle it. He has pushed through worse before. Besides, Twilight said they were headed somewhere important and they would only barely make it on time. Wind did not want to be the reason they had to stop.
But the question was getting old. First, Sky had asked when Wind was the last one to rise from his bedroll. Then Wild when Wind declined breakfast. The smell had nearly made him gag. Now, Hyrule and Four were watching him too closely as they traveled.
He was fine, really. His stomach was just a little upset. Wind told them as much, but Four still looked skeptical. Wind rolled his eyes and quickened his pace, ignoring the way the movement sent his stomach tumbling.
He managed to make it another few miserable miles before he felt the tell-tale sign of saliva gathering in his mouth. Bile began to creep up his throat as his stomach spasmed painfully. Wind slapped a hand over his mouth.
Oh. He needed to stop now.
“Uh, guys?” Wind said, swallowing harshly. Everyone turned to look at him and Wind felt the tips of his ears go pink.
“I’m gonna-“ Wind’s stomach cramped harshly and he felt bile claw its way up his throat. He covered his mouth with both hands and ran for the bushes on the side of the path.
Wind reached the bushes and fell to his knees just as his stomach pushed out all its contents. Wind curled an arm around his torso and coughed harshly as he vomited.
Warriors was by his side in an instant, holding him up and rubbing his back. As soon as Wind had a moment of reprieve, he swallowed thickly and opened his mouth to apologize. Before he could get a sound out he was seized by another round of heaving.
“Okay, you’re okay, don’t try to talk. Just let it out, sailor,” Warriors said, rubbing circles onto his back.
By the time the vomiting stopped, Wind’s arms were shaking and tears were running down his face. Warriors gently guided him to sit back and handed him a water skin.
“Don’t try to drink yet, just rinse,” Warriors said gently.
Wind nodded, still feeling too weak to respond. He took a tiny sip of the water, rinsed it around his mouth, then leaned over to spit it out. He handed the water back to Warriors with a shaking hand. Warriors wrapped his scarf around Wind’s shoulders and guided the younger hero to lean up against his chest.
“Better?” Warriors asked.
Wind’s gut churned, and his stomach throbbed in time with his head, but the nausea was slightly better than before. Wind curled his hands into Warriors’ scarf and carefully nodded.
Oh, how he wished grandma was here. She always made him feel better. The homesickness hit him like a physical pain, and to his horror Wind felt more tears leak out of his eyes. He roughly wiped them away with his sleeve.
There was a lull of soft voices floating around his head, but Wind couldn’t quite make them out. He didn’t realize he had shut his eyes until he was being gently shaken awake by Warriors.
“The rancher says there’s a spot nearby that’s safe enough to stay for a few days. Do you feel up to walking?” Warriors asked. He had one hand supporting Wind’s back and the other was gently brushing Wind’s hair out of his face. Wind gratefully leaned into the touch.
“We can keep going,” Wind whispered. As soon as the words left his mouth his stomach cramped violently. He gagged, and heaved, but nothing came up. Wind shut his eyes and curled into himself, hands digging into his hair, silently begging the nausea to go away.
“Oh, Wind,” Warriors said, and the soothing circles on his back resumed. “Will you let me help you this one time? Everyone needs help when they’re sick.”
It didn’t take much convincing. Wind felt terrible , and Warriors’ offer sounded far too good to pass up. He could deal with the consequences later. Wind moved one hand out of his hair and weakly gripped Warriors’ tunic. He nodded gently, not willing to risk talking again.
“Alright,” Warriors said softly as he readjusted his grip on Wind. “Ready?”
Wind nodded again, hoping Warriors could feel it.
“One, two, three.”
Warriors very slowly moved to his feet, barely jostling Wind at all. Wind was grateful; even the slight movement had his stomach cramping in protest. Wind screwed his eyes shut and let his fevered skin rest on the cool metal of Warriors’ armor.
“Need any help?” Twilight asked. Warriors arms tightened around him.
“I’ve got him,” Warriors said. Then, softer, “You can sleep, sailor. We’ll be there in no time.”
Screaming. Hunter had been doing a lot of that. His voice had become hoarse and his throat throbbed. Some imperial soldiers had brought him in. Since then the torture had been endless. They wanted information on the rebels. No matter how many times Hunter said he didn't know they just kept harming him. The interrogator also wanted the location of the rest of the batch. Hunter knew that; Echo was with Rex and the rest of them were on Ord Mantell, But that he would never tell.
Soon the hoarse yelling became no noise at all. Hunter continued attempting to tell the clone that he didn't know. Nothing came out. "What, cat got your tongue or something?" Crank antagonized.
Hunter had asked for the soldier's name when he had entered, hoping the gesture would help him out a little and because asking a clone for their name was meaningful; well to most of them. Though Crank had seemed pleasantly surprised it was no use.
The mercenary opened him mouth to argue but just closed it again.
The door slid open to reveal Crosshair. "Hello Hunter" he hissed. Then the clone actually looked at his brother. Hunter saw the surprise and worry in his eyes for a brief second.
'hello Crosshair' Hunter mouthed. The sniper was able to read lips, his mutation helped him immensely with this.
"Use your voice Hunter."
'I can't.'
"Why?" Crosshair whispered low enough for only his brother to hear.
'Maybe Cross still cares after all' Hunter though. "Screaming took it."
Crosshair turned to the reg, "You do know we can't use him if he can't speak right? Idiot. I'll take care of him."
Crank shrugged and left the room.
It hurt Crosshair to see Hunter like this. The man was bloody and bruised. He'd seen him like this before but that was when he was on his side. Now he was on the side hurting him.
"I'll find you something for your throat." Crosshair softened.
Crosshair was never really outwardly kind. It meant a lot to Hunter knowing despite everything; despite every time they left him, the fact that in his eyes they betrayed him, for not trusting him; that Crosshair still cared.
The door closed and Hunter was alone. For the first time he assessed his injuries. They consisted of deep cuts, colorful bruises, burn marks from electricity, broken bones, and his raw throat. His throat burned. He needed to be able to speak, how else could he lead his family? How could he comfort them or protect them? He couldn't warn them of harm if he couldn't speak. The rest of the injuries didn't really concern him, just the voice loss.
Crosshair would come back later with a cup of tea. How he managed to obtain the tea confused Hunter but he was thankful. His wrists were freed and he shakingly grabbed the cup. Giving his brother a nod to thank him he took a sip. It was somehow his favorite. This made the man smile. The gesture helped his heart more than it helped his throat.
Footsteps. Familiar footsteps. The door opened and the batch spilled into the room. Surprisingly blaster fire did not follow. "We're here too... Ummm what?" Wrecker stood bewildered.
The scene unraveling in front of him was certainly far from expected. Crosshair was helping Hunter. He sat beside Hunter with his hand slightly under the cup, ready to grab it if it fell.
Echo still held his gun to the soldier. The others had lowered theirs. "Are you sure that's not poisoned." Echo was suspicious and for good reason. Crosshair was an imperial soldier after all. Crosshair gave Echo a death glare.
Hunter looked past Crosshair and nodded, signaling Echo to lower his weapon. He complied.
"We need to get out of here. It won't be long before the empire notices we are here." Tech said.
Hunter tried to stand. His legs gave out on him and he started to fell. Crosshair caught him and lowered him back to the ground. "Wrecker come here" but of course no sound came out.
"Hunter I think you forgot something there" Omega joked.
Crosshair had sat beside Hunter once more. "He can't talk."
"Why not?" Wrecker respond.
"Likely the torture. Your vocal cords can only handle so much stress before you cannot talk. He should be fine." Tech answered.
Omega looked worried. Hunter gave her a soft smile which calmed he fears slightly. Wrecker walked over to his injured brother and picked him up. Hunter winced.
"Sorry." Wrecker had nothing to apologize for and he knew it. However it made him feel a little bit better about any necessary pain he caused.
"Do you hear anyone?" Echo asked. Hunter shook his head and turned to face Crosshair. He pulled his arm out and offered his hand to Crosshair. He looked tempted. "No. My place is here, your place should be here."
"We don't see eye to eye on that." Wrecker sighed, "we miss you though."
"We can't fight for something we don't believe in." Echo spoke. Crosshair nodded.
"If you ever need us try to let us know okay?" Omega hugged her brother, and then they left.
Crosshair grabbed the tea cup from the floor and softly smiled. He made the right choice letting them leave over and over. Maybe he'd let them take him one day.
Finn had had a seizure overnight, that much was obvious by the stabbing pains in his limbs. It wasn't the end of the world, so he took his time, changed his pyjamas -it was his day off, he wasn’t going to get dressed - and then headed downstairs.
In the kitchen, Fao was making tea when Finn appeared, his hair a mess and looking tired. He glanced at the clock - just after nine - and then frowned at his brother. “Didn’t expect you up so early.”
Finn gave his brother a look, and then frowned. His smartarse comment had somehow got lost between his mind and mouth, but he tried again. Still, nothing.
He grumbled in frustration, pulling his hoodie closer as he flopped on the sofa. He couldn't be dealing with this.
“You alright?” He asked, following his brother into the living room. “Want a tea?”
From his nest, he shook his head.
“Something to eat?”
"No." He eventually managed, frustrated.
Fao sat on the sofa next to him, frowning. “What’s wrong?”
More questions he couldn’t answer. He huffed, though curled against Fao. "No."
“Your words fucked off?” He asked, stroking through his brother’s hair.
He nodded, visibly relaxing. He should have known better than to be worried about Fao, worried that he wouldn't get it; he always understood.
“You can sign, if you want.” Fao said. “But you’ll have to emerge a little from your nest.”
"No." He was comfy and warm,and Fao knew what he wanted without him needing to do anything.
“Is no the only word you can find right now?”
"No." He fought for a moment, managing a smirk. "Fuck."
“Oh, you’ve got that one too? Of course you have, you little shit.”
He laughed. Of course he did, he took after his older brother, after all.
“You’re the worst.” Fao shot back. “Sure I can’t get you anything?”
Finn wiggled enough to get his hand out. Lucozade. Seized.
“Overnight?” Fao asked gently.
He shrugged; he couldn't be sure for definite, but it sure felt like he had.
“Mm, okay. I think we have lucozade in the fridge. Let me up to get some?”
Finn slowly shuffled off his brother, the promise of sugar slightly better than just Fao. He left room for him on the sofa, but pulled his hoard of blankets and pillows around him.
Whilst Fao disappeared to find the lucozade, Arrow appeared, standing on his back legs to sniff Finn’s leg on the sofa. After a moment, he scrambled up to join him, struggling to get any purchase.
The pup was a welcome surprise, though he startled Finn slightly. He ruffled the dog's fur, scratching his chin before he settled. He'd taken half of the sofa up, but Finn didn't care. He gave the pup a kiss on his nose, screwing his face up and laughing as he returned the favour.
Arrow wriggled his way onto Finn’s chest, enjoying the fuss from him as he settled. He was growing like a weed, seemingly bigger every day now.
Fao arrived back with the lucozade for Finn and a cup of tea for himself, settling next to his brother again. “Oh, you’ve got a friend there.”
Finn grinned, stretching out. "Mine."
“Oh, you got another word.” Fao murmured. “Maybe he’s magic. He’s not yours, though. My baby.”
He pulled a face. "Mine."
“Yeah?”
He nodded, wrapping his arms around Arrow to prove his point. For good measure, he signed it too, looking proud of himself.
“Alright. Let’s just have a sofa day.”
Work? He signed - remembering Fao's shifts was just far too much brain power.
“Not today.”
Ollie?
Fao hummed. “I don’t think so. I didn’t hear him leave, he slept in his own bed last night.”
Finn pulled a face. Of course he slept in his own bed.
“What? Don’t look at me like that.”
Loud together.
“Oh, shut up. You’re such a prude.”
Fuck you.
“No, it doesn’t work quite like that. Other way around.”
You fuck me? Gross.
“Finn!”
Gross!
“You’re gross.” Fao replied, as Ollie appeared.
“Morning. Who’s gross?”
Finn huffed, his grin disappearing. "No."
“I’m gross, apparently. Finn says we’re too loud.”
“Sorry Finn, can’t help it. He’s good at what he does.”
Finn made a noise, hiding his face in Arrow's fur. He didn't need to know that.
Fao laughed. “Such a prude. You’re an adult too, Finn. Can’t hide from reality forever.”
“Are we having a sofa day?” Ollie asked.
Finn struggled, the words somehow getting lost on his tongue. He just wanted to be able to have a fucking normal conversation, not be limited to three words and a possible grunt. "Fuck."
Ollie frowned. “Everything alright?”
“Finn’s having trouble with his words.” Fao explained.
“Oh, that’s shit.” Ollie replied. “Do you need anything, Finn?”
He could manage that one. "No."
“Sounds like a good excuse for a sofa day to me. Arrow agrees.”
Finn shot Fao a look. He didn't want to have to share with Ollie. He just wanted Fao to himself.
Ollie hesitated, sensing Finn’s unease from the way he looked at Fao. “Well, I’m going to get a shower, then. We need to go shopping too, so if either of you think of anything, let me know and I’ll go later.”
Guilt flared through him. He wouldn't say he hadn't meant it; he had. But it still made him feel bad. I'm not moving. He can stay.
“Sorry, I…” Ollie mumbled. “I don’t know sign.”
“He says you can stay.” Fao translated quickly.
“No, it’s alright. I need a shower anyway.”
"No." He'll come back?
“Finn wants to know if you’ll come back.”
“Uh, no, you guys can have some quality time.”
Finn groaned, struggling to find the words. He stumbled over the sounds, face screwed up in frustration. "Stay."
“Are you sure?” Ollie asked. “I really don’t mind.”
A grin made its way to Finn’s face. But he needs to bring snacks.
