You came by the police station early one morning, having read an email from your university that your wallet–the one you lost yesterday–was dropped off at the department, with someone having seen your student I.D. within its contents. Pushing through the glass doors of the establishment, you sauntered towards the reception bay, your steps somewhat meek and hesitant as you passed by a couple of officers.

An amiable-looking woman stands on the other side of the desk, having seen your approach, and warmly greets your with a ‘good morning’. Though you don’t hear her, you understood what she said in the way she annunciated her words through her lips. And so, you did what you routinely did when it came to first encounters.

You brushed your hair from your temple, softly tapping against your ear where your hearing aids sat, before doing the same to your lips and making an ‘X’ shape with your fingers, crossing a digit over the other.

It takes a brief moment, before a look of realisation flashes across the woman’s face, having grasped on your predicament. A bit flustered, she then looks around her desk before handing you a pen and a notepad, gently setting it on top of the counter. Gladdened, your face brightens up at the gesture as you picked at the pen, quickly jotting the purpose of your visit, whilst showing her the email on your phone.

You were born deaf and naturally, communication became an obstacle in everyday life. You’ve learnt to read lips very well growing up, and you always made sure to carry a pen and notebook in your bag, in the instance your phone decides to die–otherwise, you’d usually type out what you needed to say, since it was faster and more convenient. Coming across someone who knew ASL was rather scarce and you were often met with mixed reactions whenever you'd 'converse' with others–it was always a mixture of pity, understanding, and in worse cases, nuisance.

In the midst of all this exchange, Leon was making his way back towards the bullpens, having returned from his coffee break, and sees the interaction from afar. A surge of understanding courses through him, and he finds himself approaching the front desk with a kind smile on his face. Sensing his presence, you craned your neck to look at up him, eyeing him for a second before tilting your head to the side, with mild curiosity.

He ends up surprising you however, as he takes his left hand, pointing his palm upwards and rests his right hand on top, shaping it in a thumbs up before gesturing them both towards your direction. "Do you need help?” He softly says, making sure to articulate the movement of his lips enough for you to read.