I’m hard of hearing, and my best friend Maya is completely deaf. One afternoon at our favorite café, we were happily chatting in sign language when an entitled mom suddenly demanded we stop, calling it “disruptive” and “inappropriate.” The café went quiet as everyone watched, unsure how to react. It was a painful reminder of how often people misunderstand or judge those who communicate differently.

Growing up, I learned to live between two worlds the hearing world where lip reading and speaking are expected, and the deaf world where hands tell stories louder than words. Maya and I have been inseparable for years, sharing jokes and conversations without speaking a single sound. Though we often attract curious stares, we’ve never let that stop us from being ourselves and celebrating our unique bond.

The mom’s rude interruption felt like a slap. She told us our signing was distracting her son and made us feel like outsiders. But Maya and I stood tall and proud, refusing to be silenced. Then James, a waiter who clearly understood, stepped in firmly, reminding everyone that sign language is a beautiful, normal way millions communicate and that the real disruption was her disrespect.

James offered us cookies on the house and shut down the mom’s rude demands with calm strength. Even the little boy signed “sorry” to us before they left, a touching moment that showed hope for greater understanding. That day, I felt seen, supported, and reminded that standing up for who we are can inspire change one small act at a time.