Engagement Party

Carol glances around the office room one more time to ensure she's alone. After confirming the coast is clear, she sets her phone on the stand, taking a deep breath.

Quickly, she dabs her face with tissue, smoothing her hair and wiping the streaks of dried tears from her cheeks, masking any trace of her earlier breakdown.

The call rings and rings, and Carol begins to think Eunice is busy. But just as she's about to hang up, Eunice’s face pops up on the screen, her hands flying in a flurry of agitated signs.

**Why haven’t you checked your phone? It’s lunchtime, isn’t it? I’ve been trying to reach you! Where are you? Are you free now? It’s an emergency!**

Carol flinches at Eunice’s rapid gestures. She raises her hands, trying to calm her friend.

**Eunice! Breathe! You’re signing too fast—and using the wrong signs!**

Eunice pauses for a beat, inhaling deeply, her shoulders relaxing slightly. **Okay. Do you have time now?** she asks, more composed.

**Yes, I have ten m