She knew what it was like, when she heard, to be trying to follow Daphne's friends all talking at once. Which she could not keep track of how quickly they signed. It was different for her now, she thought. But she's never had to try it.

Bay knew, a little, about how it was possible not to find other Deaf people. Travis was clear evidence that could happen even with other Deaf people in town. The fear everyone had when the high school was under threat of closure was that they'd all be alone. But not a single other Deaf person?

That's why you don't have a namesign? It had been at the back of her mind, since meeting him. It just felt so wrong, but if nobody else was Deaf he didn't need it. Which made it feel worse. And every pained thought she had played on her face as she felt them.