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.