“Five more minutes,” Mia shouted.
No,she signed firmly.Sorry.
Mia sighed and said something to her friends. Then she trudged across the lawn, dragging her feet all the way.
Mahina was out front, trying to convince Halia to come through for a bite to eat.
“I can’t today,” Halia said. “Maybe next time.”
Hi Auntie, Mia signed.
“Hello, Mia. Ready to go to the zoo?”
Mia wrinkled her nose and shrugged. “I guess.”
“Thank you for this.” Laurie stepped forward and hugged her sister tightly. “You’re a lifesaver.”
“Whatever you need,” Halia said once she’d released her. “I’ve got your back.”
“Thank you,” she said again. “I appreciate you.”
Halia squeezed her shoulder and then opened the car door for Mia.
“Have fun at the zoo,” Laurie said, giving her a quick hug.
Mia put her arms around her mom’s waist and held tight.
“Go on,” she said after a while. She felt Mia sigh.
Finally she let go and signed,See you later.
“Have fun,” she said again.
Mia crawled into the back seat and pulled the door shut behind her.
I love you, Laurie signed as they drove away.
She stood at the edge of the street, feeling bereft.
Kekoa came to stand next to her.
You hungry?he asked when she glanced his way.
She shook her head and smiled.
What?
“You already know as much ASL as half of my family,” she said and signed.
I don’t think so.What would be a full sentence in English was conveyed differently in ASL; Kekoa paired the sign forthinkwith a doubtful expression and a slight shake of his head.
Laurie laughed. “You’re a natural.”
“And you didn’t answer my question.”
“What question?”
“Are you hungry?” he asked, repeating the signs.
