"Things are not always what they seem." - Cheshire Cat, Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Amadeo Church

I bought souvenir keychains from a deaf girl today. I didn't know she was deaf until we were driving away. Another girl had helped us along with the deaf girl. She looked to be 11 or 12 years old, wearing black eyeliner on her eyes. Her hair was black and pulled up on top of her head in a lopsided ponytail. 

I thought she was on drugs at first or mentally handicapped. But I went ahead with my order of 10 keychains for 20 pesos each. The small handwritten sign offered free personalization. So I wrote down all the names I wanted. 

As we were leaving the small outdoor market, she followed us into the church courtyard where we had parked. It was a quiet afternoon, clouds rolling in for an afternoon rain shower. No other cars were in the lot or on the street. The girl proceeded to direct us out of our parking spot and pointed the way out with several intricate waves of her arms. Our driver tipped her as we pulled away. 

The whole thing made me chuckle, then my uncle and cousin laughed as well and said, "She's deaf." And here all along I thought she was just stoned or slow.

I was embarrassed and wish I had paid closer attention.