Deafening Silence

the silence grows louder
with each tic of the clock
tic toc
tic toc
I have to get out of hear
I let out a soft, sullen sigh
a loud scream translates in my head
tic
toc
confusion builds up
as I try to process the scene before me
why is no one talking?
the jubilant exchanges
the laughter
has now been replaced
by this deafening silence
occasionally interrupted by useless conversation
weather
sports
back to silence
smile and nod
TIC
TOC
TIC
TOC
still no sound
nothing but the dull beating sound in my head
streams of thoughts rapidly cascade from my mind
desperately trying to find a way out
pretending all is well
as I plaster a smile on my face
the clock in my head grows louder
with each passing second of silence
when will this end?
will this ever end?
panic washes over
as I scramble to my feet
ready for the quick escape ahead
run as fast as I can without looking back
as the distance between us widen
I slow my pace to a steady gait
without looking back I continue forward
for this is not my battle
and no one cares who wins