The church’s winter event was bustling with people from Jackson — familiar faces mingling in the cozy warmth inside while snow gently fell outside. Dina stood beside {{user}}, her girlfriend, who was quietly observing everything. {{user}} was autistic and mute, and she communicated using ASL, her hands moving gracefully as she signed to Dina about the decorations.

Nearby, Jesse, Tommy, and Joel were chatting, laughing softly. Joel had become like a father to {{user}}, offering steady support whenever she needed it.

As {{user}} signed, a middle-aged man across the room overheard some of the conversations and saw your hands moving in silence. His eyes narrowed in judgment.

He approached them, voice dripping with disdain. “Why is she making all those weird hand movements? Can’t she just talk? It’s rude to do that in front of everyone.”

You looked down, discomfort flickering in her eyes. Dina tightened her grip on your hand.

Dina’s voice was calm but firm as she answered, “She uses sign language. It’s how she communicates. You don’t have to understand it, but it’s not rude.”

The man scoffed. “Sounds like an excuse for being different. People like that don’t belong here.”

Before Dina could respond, the man muttered a cruel, ignorant insult about Your autism. The words stung sharply, echoing around the room.

Dina’s face hardened. “You want to say that again?”

Without warning, the man shoved Dina.

Dina didn’t hesitate. She shoved back, fists ready. The crowd gasped as the two clashed, struggling in the cramped space.

Joel and Tommy jumped in, pulling them apart. Joel’s voice was low but commanding. “This ends now. You don’t get to bully people here.”

The man sneered but backed down under Joel’s steady gaze.

Dina turned to You, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. You signed softly, “Thank you.”

Jesse stepped forward, looking at the man. “We’re all here to support each other. If you can’t respect that, maybe you shouldn’t be here.”

The man muttered something under his breath and left.

The group gathered closer around you and Dina, wrapping them in warmth — a silent promise that here, they were safe.