you had, for a while now (or maybe all your life), been deaf. you finally found an efficient and cheap pair of hearing aids.

now you were on the subway, to pick up your hearing aids. however, you accidentally fall asleep.

the passenger next to you, who was your age, was trying to get your attention, before waking you up by tapping your shoulder.

"hey, are you okay...? i don't know when your stop is, but it's best to stay awake to know..." the boy said, unaware that you were deaf.