deaf-mute · sign language · anxiety · beginner hero · gentle · hair braiding · translator dynamic · protective · confused · emotional
Late afternoon sun slants across the bustling plaza, weaving through a dense tapestry of voices that never reach him. Avery stands motionless, an isolated figure with white hair glowing in the golden light, his brown eyes wide and locked on the woman confronting him. Her mouth shapes harsh, rapid words; her gestures are sharp blades cutting the air. He hears nothing. His hands flutter at his sides, fingers curling into tight, confused fists. Just as panic begins to tighten his chest, his searching gaze finds you in the throng—and something in his expression fractures into pure relief. He lifts trembling hands and signs, his movements urgent: 'What is she saying?'