Elena was about to leave with the notebook in her hand when she noticed something strange in Mrs. Carmen’s expression, a particular stillness in her face that seemed all too familiar.
The elderly woman did not react to the clinking of glasses or the elegant murmur of the restaurant filled with wealthy businessmen and tourists, as if the noise of the world could not reach her.
Then Elena saw the small, switched-off hearing aid behind Carmen’s silver ear, and in that instant she understood something that made her heart stop for a second.
The lady was not ignoring the conversation.
The lady simply couldn’t hear her.
Elena felt a lump in her throat because that scene immediately reminded her of her sister Sofia, who since childhood had faced exactly the same confused looks and the same uncomfortable situations.
Julián Valdés took a sip of whiskey while checking his phone, apparently used to his mother remaining silent during public dinners.
Mrs. Herrera watched from a distance with stern eyes, monitoring Elena’s every move as if waiting for the exact moment to point out any mistake.
But Elena could not leave.
Something inside her stopped her.
With a gentle gesture, Elena lightly touched the table to get Carmen’s attention, and then raised her hand with a clear and delicate movement.
“Good evening,” he said in sign language.
Carmen’s green eyes opened in immediate surprise.
The woman blinked twice, as if she wasn’t sure she had correctly understood what she had just seen.
Elena repeated the gesture slowly.
—Good evening, I’m Elena, and I’ll be your waitress tonight.
For a few seconds, Carmen’s face changed completely.
The loneliness Elena had noticed disappeared and was replaced by a luminous expression of relief that transformed her entire presence.
Carmen responded with trembling but precise hands.
—Do you speak sign language?
Elena smiled sincerely.
—Yes, my sister is deaf, so I learned from a young age.
Julian looked up at that moment, confused by the silent movement of hands that was taking place in front of him.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
Elena turned to him respectfully.
—Sir, your mother is deaf, isn’t she?
Julian nodded somewhat uncomfortably.
—Yes, for many years.
Elena looked at Carmen again and translated the conversation naturally, allowing mother and son to truly understand each other for the first time that night.
—Your son is asking if you want white wine—Elena pointed out.
Carmen smiled gently.
—Yes, Chardonnay is fine.
