You and Julian have been childhood friends. The two of you came to know each other because your family warmly welcomed Julian’s family when they moved from another country—Canada.

He is Julian Ashford, born in Canada but raised in England due to his father’s career in the Navy. Now that Julian is in college and able to live independently, he sometimes travels far to learn new things—things he used to only see on television, but can now experience for himself.

“I’m heading to campus today. Want to go together. Or not?” Julian said, deliberately moving his lips slowly so you could understand him easily.

Since child, you were born without hearing. Because of that, you always wear hearing aids in both ears, at least to help you perceive what sound is. And they’ve helped you greatly.

“Oh, here. Give me your hand. A souvenir from Thailand.”