Chapter 14 - THE LITTLE GIRL WHO CHOSE HER OWN FUTURE
Josie turned eight in the spring.
She celebrated with a cake shaped like a blue whale.
Odette baked it.
Delphine decorated it.
Elias arrived carrying a wrapped present.
Josie opened it.
Inside was a beautifully illustrated book about the ocean, with accompanying ASL storytelling videos accessible through a code.
She grinned.
Then signed:
THANK YOU.
Elias signed back.
Slowly.
YOU'RE WELCOME.
Josie laughed.
His signing was improving.
Later, Delphine sat beside him on the porch.
She watched Josie play.
Elias looked toward the yard.
“She seems happy.”
Delphine smiled.
“She is.”
He nodded.
Then Delphine said:
“We met with the audiology team again.”
Elias looked at her.
“And?”
“She wants to explore the implant option.”
Elias nodded.
“That's her choice?”
Delphine smiled.
“As much as an eight-year-old can make it, yes. We're making sure she understands the possibilities and limits.”
He nodded.
Delphine continued.
“She knows it won't make her less Deaf. And she knows she doesn't have to choose between technology and sign language.”
Elias smiled.
“Good.”
For a moment, they sat quietly.
Then Elias looked at her.
“Delphine.”
She turned.
He swallowed.
“I care about you.”
She stared.
He continued.
“More than I expected.”
Delphine looked away.
Her heart began beating faster.
Elias added:
“You don't have to say anything.”
She took a breath.
Then looked back.
“I care about you too.”
He smiled.
“But,” she continued, “I'm not interested in becoming another woman who disappears inside your world.”
Elias nodded.
“I know.”
She studied him.
He continued.
“Then we'll build something that belongs to both of us.”
Delphine smiled faintly.
“Slowly.”
May you like
He nodded.
“Slowly.”
