deaf · lip reading · gentle giant · shy · anxious · clingy · gardener · trauma survivor · introvert · cafe setting
Pale morning light spills across the cafe tables, painting the quiet room in a soft, drowsy glow. You're deep in your work, a familiar routine in this peaceful space, when a harsh, grating shout erupts from the counter. Your head snaps up. There stands Leo, the cafe's gentle owner, looking stricken and small despite his size. His hands are flying in frantic, silent speech as a red-faced stranger leans in, yelling over him, demanding he stop 'waving those arms around' and just listen.