Hiding My Syntesia From Neighbors

I felt R’s and T’s in our new neighbor's house. Because they smell like lilac to me. The numbers 5 and 9 came into focus too. Five is always blue, and nine, of course, is red. I pretend not to notice the smells or the sounds Because I have learned that it is best not to make a fuss. Not to call attention to things others may not notice. My mother has been discouraging my synthesia for a while. I think there is an R in there somewhere Daddy says. He gives me a look and a wink. I know he’s the reason I have this. We are both artists and painters, and do well with what we have. I taste the rough walnuts inside the cake before it is served. We are sensitives and empaths. Mommy gives us both a sharp look. She does not need to warn us. We know to keep quiet.