“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.