Silence

Carnations

I walked down the street toward the flower shop. It was quiet today, of course everyday was quiet. Since, I was deaf. It never really bothered me though. I had to get some flowers for my mother's grave today. It would have been her birthday. My parents passed away 2 years ago when I was 16. It was rough but I managed. I stepped into the shop. There was a new boy working there. He had dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. He walked over to me and mouthed something. I dragged my finger from my ear to my mouth: deaf.
I know sign. The boy signed. I looked at him surprised. My aunt is deaf. He replied.
Do you have any Carnations?
Yes. The boy walked away and soon came back with a bouquet of beautiful Carnations. I took them and handed him some money.
Thanks. I signed then walked out the door. I smiled as I walked to the graveyard. I was head over heals for the boy. I just wished I could hear his voice. I found my mom's gravestone and set down the flowers.
I love you mom. I signed. I walked out of the graveyard and back to my apartment.

§
I set my things down on the table as I turned on the lights. I laid on my bed still thinking about the blonde boy. He hadn't left my thoughts. I made a plan to go there tomorrow and see him again. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see who it was.
Minho I beamed. He hugged me.
How are you?
I am doing great how are you?
Good.
Wait...what is the purpose of your visit? I stared him down.
I wanted to see if you wanted to come hang with me and a friend.
Do I know this friend?
No, probably not.
Yeah sure. I jumped up and put on my shoes. Minho and I climbed into the car. The ride was silent, obviously, except what I assumed was Minho singing. I could just see his lips moving. We pulled up to his house.
Here he signed. We stepped inside. The dirty blonde from the flower shop was sitting on the couch.
Newt this is my friend Thomas. Thomas this is my friend Newt. Minho signed and said. So Newt was his name. I waved he waved back.
Do I need to translate? Minho questioned
No, that's quiet alright. I got this. Newt sighed. We smiled at each other. Minho looked between us confused.
You two know each other?
This is Carnation boy. That I was telling you about.  His cheeks reddened. Newt had talked about me.

§
Hold on a minute. Newt signed as I stood up. He grabbed a sharpie and wrote a number on my arm.
Text me. He smiled. I smiled back and left.