Mrs. Herrera, who until that moment had considered herself the absolute master of the situation in her restaurant, observed the scene from the other end of the room with an expression that combined disbelief and concern.
Carmen Valdés gently squeezed Elena’s hand, conveying a warmth that the young woman did not expect to find in someone who belonged to a world so different from her own.
“I don’t want you to feel pressured,” Julian said calmly, “but what you did tonight means more to my mother than you probably imagine.”
Elena took a deep breath before answering, because the weight of that decision was beginning to be felt in every accelerated beat of her heart.
“Mr. Valdés,” he said respectfully, “I only did what anyone who knows sign language would do.”
Julian shook his head gently.
“No,” he replied, “most people wouldn’t.”
Carmen began to move her hands rapidly again, and her eyes shone with a sincere emotion that needed no translation to be understood.
Elena observed their gestures and translated slowly.
—She says that tonight she felt heard for the first time in a long time.
The words brought a new silence to the table.
Even Julian seemed affected by that confession.
“Mom has always been very strong,” she said in a low voice, “but since she completely lost her hearing five years ago, many people just stopped trying to communicate with her.”
Elena felt a familiar pain in her chest when she heard that.
Because he had seen the exact same thing happen with Sofia on many occasions.
—The people
“They give up too quickly,” she said gently, “when all they really need is patience.”
Carmen smiled as she watched her hands move so naturally.
Then he spoke again in sign language.
Elena translated.
—She says your sister must be very proud of you.
Elena felt her eyes become slightly moist.
—Actually, I’m the one who’s proud of her.
Julian watched every gesture with growing interest, as if he were seeing a door open to a world that until that moment had remained completely closed to him.
“Does your sister live with you?” he asked.
Elena nodded.
—Yes, since our parents died.
The sincerity of her answer made Carmen frown sadly.
The woman took Elena’s hand again.
Her hands began to move with an almost maternal gentleness.
Elena looked at the message and then at Julian before translating.
—She says that sisters who take care of themselves like that are a very rare gift in this world.