Chapter 3 - Adopted

Sheng and Hua were inseparable over the years. Hua would always either sketch or read with Sheng always next to her reading too.

They would always visit the local public library. The librarian, Mrs. Du was a nice woman who had a soft heart for all children who loved to read. She was especially fond of Sheng and Hua.

"Hua, Sheng, you've come. I got some new books. I put them on the last shelf at the back. I still have to register them into the system so you can read them today."

"Thank you, Mrs. Du." Sheng politely bowed and Hua followed suit.

"You kids are so adorable. By the way, I have a surprise for Hua. There's a book I've been trying to get online for a while. I finally got a used copy at a used bookstore when I went to the city."

She pulled out a book from the shelf behind her desk. This is Hua's. It's my present to you.

Hua looked curiously at the book cover. "How to read lips."

Her eyes twinkled with excitement. She signed hurriedly, "For me?"

Sheng chuckled, "Mrs. Du, she's already excited."

Mrs. Du clapped her hands in happiness, "Aww little one, I was so excited when I saw this. I only paid 80 yuan for it. The bookstore owner said it was very old and no one ever tried to buy it."

Hua took out her book to write, "Can I pay you back after New Year? I'll have enough money saved up by then."

Mrs. Du shook her head, "This is my gift to you. Learn it well and it'll help you once you start living on your own in the future, okay?"

Hua nodded and gave her a hug.

"Aww Little Hua, you are so cute. Also, Sheng, I got some accounting books too. You'd probably be interested in those."

"Thank you, Mrs. Du."

Hua signed, "Thank you."

Mrs. Yang was able to pick up basic signs from Hua over the years and replied back in sign, "You're welcome."

Sheng signed, "Once you learn, you can teach me to lip read too."

Hua nodded with excitement.

Hua wasn't able to speak and her ears weren't in the best of shape either. Last year, when she got really sick during the winter, Doctor Baisheng informed Auntie Mei that she needed to have surgery for her throat and her left ear. It was an expensive surgery and had to be done in the city by a specialist.

Auntie Mei didn't have money for the surgery so nothing could be done immediately. Hua didn't mind because she hadn't spoken ever in her life and she wasn't in a hurry because this was the only normal, she knew.

Being a studious and quick learner, she spent a lot of time in the library. All the kids at the orphanage went to the local school in town but Hua used to be homeschooled by Auntie Mei. The school did not have accommodations for disabled children like Hua. Hua didn't mind it at all since she was content learning. It didn't matter to her where she did so.

At the restaurant across the orphanage, they had a TV that was always on the news channel. Hua happened to see the news on the United Nations Summit. The conference had shown people from different countries all talking and discussing current issues.

Hua was fascinated to see how easily they were able to communicate despite speaking different languages. The captions on the screen helped her get the gist of what was being talked about.

Auntie Mei had explained that they had headphones where translations were happening as leaders of various countries made speeches. From then on, Hua cultivated a dream for herself. She wanted to be able to communicate in different languages. Her fascination began to blossom at the young age of 6.

She had hoped she would be able to speak several languages fluently someday. She already started learning English from a language guide at the library. Auntie Mei always used to say that Sheng and Mei were gifted geniuses with a high learning aptitude. Sheng also learned English alongside her. He used to write tests and quizzes for both of them so that they could practice.

They got back home around the afternoon after being able to check out one book each. Hua skipped wanting to eat quickly and get back to reading more about lip reading.

Sheng was holding her hand, "Look at you all excited," he chuckled and squeezed her hand softly. He turned to her and Hua stopped and smiled, "Hua, I might not be your real brother but I will always be your family. I promise to protect you always."

Sheng signed what he said for her and her eyes teared up and nodded. She signed, "Family" and gave Sheng a hug. He laughed and carried her home the rest of the way.

"Auntie Mei, we're back."

"Sheng, bring Hua into the living room. We have guests."

Sheng brought Hua over, thinking maybe Auntie Mei needed help with serving tea.

"Sheng, Hua, this is Mrs. Zhang. She is here to adopt Hua."

Sheng was stunned and his eyes turned to Hua looking like he had gotten the worst news of his life. Hua's heart started beating wildly thinking and trying to figure out what was going on.

Her eyes moved to look at the other person in the room. A beautiful woman but something about her eyes made Hua think that her life was not going to be the same ever again.

Written by Uner90 (R.R.)