The weight of unspoken Things

Winter arraived quickly. The trees around the campus has ehed most of their leaves and the evening grew shorter. Yet Ethan and Isha still found reasons to spend every spare time together. Their conversations flower effortlessly now. His hands are not longer hesitant and hers are not longer guarded.

Until one Saturday Afternoon. Ethan has invited Isha to have lunch with his parents. "They will love you" he had signed with an encouraging smile. She wanted to believe him. The restaurant was warm and crowded and filled with conversation she could not hear but feel through the vibration of the wooden door. Ethan sat opposite her exactly where she could see his face. It was a habit now. One she never had to ask for.

The lunch began well now. The lunch began well enough. His mother smiled politely. His father asked about the University. Isha answers every question her self signing while Ethan interpreted only when she needed. For a brief mines everything felt normal.

Then the waiter arraived. Looking directly at Ethan, he asked What would she like to order?

Ethan frowned. "You can ask her" he replied. The waiter looked surprised before awkwardly turning towards Isha. She ordered with practised confidence. A few minutes Ethan's father asked "Does she always need someone to translate?". Again. He was not asking Isha. He was asking to Ethan. As though she was not sitting there. Ethan looked at his father. " She can answer that herself".

Silence settled over the table. His father cleared his throught. "I did not mean anything by it".

"I know" he said quietly.

"That is the problem".

The conversation never truly ended. When lunch ended Isha insisted she needed some fresh air. They walked without speaking untill they reached the nearby park. Finally she stopped. Her hands were moving slowly.

Your parents were kind.

He shook his hand and started to move his hands.

They were polite. There is a difference.

She smiled sadly. And then she signed

This time won't be the last time. People will always look at you before they look at me. They will ask you questions about about my life, my career and my choices...even my future.

He started to sign almost immediately.

Then I will keep poitung them towards you

She looked away. For the first time since they met her hands trembled.

You shouldn't have to.

Ethan stepped closer.

I want to.

She shook her head and went one step back.

You say that now. But years from now? When everything is harder? When every conversation needs patience? Every family gathering needs explaining? Every stranger stares?

His heart sank. She was not talking about the restaurant anymore. She was talking about them.

Isha....

I am afraid I will become the reason your life becomes smaller.

The sentence lingered between them. Ethan could not believe what he was hearing. After everything they have shared...she still believe that she has to be ensured. Not someone to love.

He lifted his hands desperate to tell her sh rhad changed his life forever for the better...that learning her language had never felt like a burden and only a privilege.

But before he could finish the sign she gently steeped backword. Years filled her eyes through none escaped.

She offered one final fragile smile. Then she turned and walked away.

He remained where he stood...unable to move. His hands stayed in the air..frozen half through the words she never let him finish.