“When the Lights Go Out”

Rayyan Ariff had everything—fame, fortune, a career at its peak. That night, after winning Best Actor, he left the gala in his sleek black sports car. The city lights blurred past as he sped down the highway, his mind still replaying the standing ovation.

Then—a sharp turn. Headlights flashing. A deafening crash.

Pain exploded through his body. Glass shattered. Metal crumpled. His breath came in ragged gasps as the world around him faded. Then…nothing.

He woke up weeks later to a world he no longer recognized. His body felt foreign. His mouth struggled to form words. His hands wouldn’t stop trembling. The doctor’s words hit him harder than the crash itself.

“Cerebral Palsy. Speech impairment. Motor dysfunction.”

———————————————

A year later, in a distant countryside far from the city

His career was over…no more scripts, no more cameras. The industry moved on without him.

Sitting in the quiet of his home, he stared at his reflection. His lips parted, trying to say his own name.

Nothing came out..