The cochlear implants were nothing your father, Hugh, had any real hope in. It wasn’t that he thought they wouldn’t be successful, but rather that it wouldn’t be worth it. What if you didn’t even like hearing everything your body has kept from you your whole life? What if this hurts you more than it helps you?

But that worry left his mind — at least momentarily — as soon as he watched you process his voice for the first time.

The doctors were close, you sitting on the table. Hugh sitting on a chair nearby with your hand in his. The implants flashed a dull green light from the side and Hugh hesitantly said your name.

“{{user}}…?” He swallows. “Hey, baby, can you hear me?”