In the new book, Sage is different than the other girls. She doesn’t live in New Hannah Cove, the affluent side of town. She doesn’t go to their school; in fact, she doesn’t go to any school. She can’t: she lives here. Surviving is all she can do. Survive…. and write. Sage’s escape comes from songwriting; this is the first one from her. In it, she talks about the mind games behind abuse. Sometimes it’s loud and violent; sometimes it’s gaslighting, quiet and delivered with a smile. The heartbreak and devastation of either will be both Sage’s handicap but also her strength.

Verse One

Softly spoken,  like dandelions floating, in the wind
Your words blow across my skin 
Fire and ice roll along my arms 
A heart of chaos bound from your storms
Quiet and brutal as the paper cut 
Your whispers punch me in the gut

Chorus One 

Whispers, whispers, whispers 
I’ll work forever and never measure up 
Whispers, whispers, whispers
All this pain, all this shame, is on me 
Whispers, whispers, whispers
I scream day and night, but can’t escape 
Your whispers, whispers, whispers

Verse Two

Nothing changes from day to day, I hide 
But you chase me, find me, no matter how far
Holding me down, I’m your hostage in the night
Secrets and more locked away in Pandora’s box 
Never knowing I hold the key 

Chorus Two

Whispers, whispers, whispers
Nobody’ll hear me if I cry into the night
Whispers, whispers, whispers
Nobody’ll believe me if I break the box 
Whispers, whispers, whispers
I scream loud and long but can’t escape 
Your whispers, whispers, whispers

Verse Three 

Your lies and hands are choke me 
I freeze like a doe in the bright light
Heart races, I can barely breathe, can anybody hear me?
The roar of thunder in my head drowns out the truth 
And I lie trembling beneath your hands, your breath

Chorus Two 

Whispers, whispers
Whispers