Mrs. Herrera forced a stiff smile.
—Of course, Mr. Valdés.
As he walked away, his expression turned cold.
Dinner continued in a completely different atmosphere.
Carmen laughed softly as she chatted with Elena, and for the first time in a long time she seemed to truly enjoy a restaurant.
At the end of the meal, Julian asked for the bill.
Elena returned with the black folder.
Julian opened it slowly.
Then he pulled out a black metal card that reflected the light from the restaurant.
But before paying, he looked directly at Elena.
—How long have you been working here?
—Three years, sir.
—Do you like your job?
Elena hesitated for a second.
“I like helping my sister,” she replied honestly.
Julian tilted his head slightly.
—Is your sister deaf too?
Elena nodded.
—Yes, he is sixteen years old.
Carmen gently touched her son’s arm.
Then he began to move his hands rapidly.
Elena translated.
—She says I reminded her of herself when she was young, when nobody took the time to learn how to talk to her.
The restaurant was filled with elegant murmurs and soft music.
But a different kind of silence began to form around the Valdés table.
Carmen continued speaking in sign language.
Her hands moved with excitement.
Elena translated slowly.
—She says that never in all these years had anyone in a restaurant taken the time to talk to her like that.
Julian looked at his mother with a serious expression.
Then he looked at Elena again.
And then he said something that made the entire restaurant fall silent.
—Elena, would you like to work for my family?
Elena blinked, confused.
-Mister?
Julian placed both hands on the table.
—My mother needs someone who can communicate with her every day.
Elena felt her heart begin to beat strongly.
—As an assistant?
Julian shook his head slowly.
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