The Right Sign

by Nia Arthurs

The most important lesson dad taught me about love is that it’s a choice. Not a feeling.

Her beauty caught my eye first. Her kindness kept my attention.

Her and ‘disgusting’ should never be in the same sentence. It’s imperative.

Iktr

I already know she’s going to ruin me. And I already know I’d let her. What’s wrong with me? I’m a businessman.

But maybe having the money to do whatever we want is exactly why my sister felt comfortable enough to ram her car into a damn building.

“Draw whatever lines you want. I won’t cross them. I promise I’ll respect you.”

She doesn’t like me. Which is unfortunate. But temporary. I have no plans of remaining on her bad side.

So pleased that I want to know the designer she’s wearing right now so I can buy her the entire spring catalogue.

I’m determined to learn Yaya’s language.

:')

Does she have any idea how much I want to please her? I say what I will always say from now on when she asks for something. “Yes.”

This is the difference between us and the people with power. Not that they don’t make the same mistakes. But that the consequences of their mistakes and ours are different.

All hearing people are well-meaning until they actually have to sacrifice something.

“How long have you been learning?” I sign. His movements are slow. He pauses and readjusts his fingers clumsily. “The day we met.”

Crying

He’s hearing. I’m deaf. It’s simple, really. But he keeps looking. And, despite my best attempts, I keep looking at him too.

“Even when you’re not looking at me, I will always be facing you.”

Like a man who spent all his life studying the skies, suddenly given a chance to walk on the moon.

I snap back to myself. Eager. Obedient. I live for her commands. So dangerous. Who the hell have I become?

Crying

“She’s more than just a ‘normal’ person to me. I want to spoil her.”

Yaya glances down at my pants and looks pleased. Naughty girl. Is this revenge for teasing her in the car?

Most suggstive line yet

He pauses. “Is there something else?” “Buy her a new car.”

Insane

Why do I have to be such an idiot? Why do I have to love people so fiercely that, even when they impale me with their swords, I still feel loyal to them?

“Did you not hear me, Conner? Because, if necessary, I can sign that instruction. I know ASL.”

Lmboooo

“Breaking up with Yaya Williams will hurt me.”

Can’t we skip to the part where she admits she loves me? Because that ending is inevitable. I cannot exist in a world where Yaya Williams isn’t the love of my life.

“You’ll need these.” I lift the case and hear the distinct rattle. “What are these for?” “To give us Yaya’s superpowers.”

It’s nice that I don’t need to sign for him to get me.

love always makes you stupid. That’s why you have to be careful who you fall in love with.