The document summarizes a student's experience of silence in the classroom during a discussion. The student quietly asks about respect but another student dismisses the idea that teachers don't respect students. The student knows from experience this is untrue but doesn't speak up. Memories of past traumatic classroom experiences flood their mind. After class ends, the student's mind is racing and chaotic as they leave, eventually calming down but realizing the opportunity to speak up has passed. The document examines silence as a purposeful barrier between thoughts and speech.