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.
Elena translated the message and Julian remained motionless for a moment.