CHAPTER 1 — The First Conversation
Matthew blinked twice, almost afraid the moment would disappear if he looked away.
The girl smiled nervously.
Then she signed again.
"Hi. My name is Lucy."
Matthew's hands moved instinctively.
"You know sign language?"
Lucy nodded.
"My great-grandfather lost his hearing after serving in the Navy," she signed carefully. "He taught me when I was little."
Matthew stared at her in disbelief.
For years, adults had hired expensive interpreters.
Teachers attended workshops.
Corporate assistants memorized a handful of signs for charity events.
But none of them had ever spoken to him the way Lucy did.
Naturally.
Patiently.
Like he wasn't different.
For the next twenty minutes, the ballroom disappeared.
Lucy asked about his favorite books.
Matthew admitted he loved astronomy.
Lucy confessed she wanted to become an engineer because she liked fixing broken things.
He laughed.
Actually laughed.
Across the room, several guests noticed.
"Is that... Alexander Vale's son?"
"I've never seen him smile."
"Who's the girl?"
"The housekeeper's daughter."
People began watching.
Not because of Alexander.
Because of Matthew.
May you like
For the first time, he wasn't standing alone beside a column.
He was simply a twelve-year-old boy talking to a friend.
