“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.
—She says that sisters who take care of themselves like that are a very rare gift in this world.
Julian rested his elbows on the table and interlaced his fingers, as if he were making an important decision.
—Elena —he finally said—, what I proposed to you a few minutes ago still stands.
The young woman looked down at the account folder.
For a moment he thought of Sofia.
He thought about the long nights of work.
He thought about the worn-out uniforms and Mrs. Herrera’s insults.
And he thought about his sister’s artistic dreams.
“What exactly would that job entail?” he asked cautiously.
Julian smiled slightly, appreciating his prudence.
“My mother lives in a large house near the sea,” she explained, “and she needs someone who can communicate with her daily, keep her company, and help her feel included in the world.”
Carmen nodded enthusiastically as she watched each word being translated.
“Furthermore,” continued Julian, “I want to create a program within my hotels so that employees can learn sign language.”
Elena looked up in surprise.
—In all of your hotels?
Julian nodded.
—I have thirty-two in different cities.
The news left Elena completely stunned.
Because suddenly that conversation was no longer just a personal opportunity.
It was something much bigger.
Carmen started moving her hands quickly again.
Elena translated with an excited smile.
—He says that many deaf people could feel welcome in places where they previously felt invisible.
Julian looked at Elena with a serious expression.
—And you could help us make it happen.
At that moment, several nearby customers had stopped pretending not to hear.
The story unfolding at that table was beginning to attract the silent attention of the entire restaurant.
Mrs. Herrera walked towards the table with a strained smile.
“Mr. Valdés,” he said with forced courtesy, “I hope everything is to your liking.”
Julian looked up.
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