"Look at Amy's picture!" Mom said, too loud. She does that when she's excited, because she can't hear herself. Some kids turned to stare at us and I wanted to hide.
I led my family into my classroom and looked around. Other kids and parents were there, but I didn't see Evelyn.
Ms. Jennings walked over to us. I introduced her to my family and explained that my parents are deaf.
"Oh," she said. "Well, how do you say "Welcome!' in sign language?"
"Like this." I swept my open right hand in toward my body, palm (掌心) up.
She repeated the movement.
"Thank you," Mom said, smiling. "It's nice to meet you."
Ms. Jennings looked surprised. "You speak very well," she said.
In sign language, I repeated what Ms. Jennings had said in case my parents hadn't read her lips (嘴唇).
Mom nodded. "I lost my hearing as a child, after I'd learned to talk. Amy's father was born deaf. He can talk, too, but he's shy about his voice. "
Dad smiled in agreement.
Some of my classmates were watching us and whispering. Then I noticed Evelyn and her mom standing by the door.
"I sit over there," I told my family and quickly walked toward my desk.
"Hi, Amy," Evelyn said suddenly.
I turned around. "Hi."
"I didn't know your parents are deaf," she said.
"Yeah." I couldn't think of anything else to say.
"And you can talk to them with your hands? That's so cool. "
"You think so?" I asked. I exhaled with relief.
Evelyn nodded. "It's like a secret code. Would you teach me some words sometime?"
I smiled. "Of course."
"One of my dad's neighbours uses sign," she said. "Maybe I can surprise her with a greeting next time
I visit my dad. "
"Your dad doesn't live with you?" I said.
She shook her head. "My parents are separated."
"Oh, I.…" I'd been so worried about my family that I hadn't thought about Evelyn's family. "Hey, if
You come over tomorrow, we can practice some sign language then."
I got my parents'attention. "Mom, Dad," I said, signing, "I'd like you to meet my friend Evelvn and her mom."
① Amy introduced Ms. Jennings to her family.
② Amy's mom lost her hearing.
③ Evelyn asked Amy to teach her some sign language.
④ Amy led her parents into the classroom.
⑤ Evelyn said hello to Amy.