Arriving In Franklin

I Can’t Hear You • Part 1 of 5

Engin Akyurt

---

This is a short serial in five parts. I will release each part on consecutive days, so you won’t have to wait long.

---

Daniel was a writer. An exceptionally good one. At the age of twenty-four, he managed to attract an agent and get a book deal. He had just arrived in Franklin, a small town in the midst of “renewal,” planning on spending a week doing research on small towns and their residents.

Daniel entered the Lunchtime Diner and took a seat at a booth. The diner was charming, like something from a 1950s movie set. It only took a minute before a young woman in her mid-twenties walked over to the table and said, “Hi, I’m Jenny. What can I get for you?”

Daniel took out a small notebook and wrote down a note. Then he handed it to Jenny.

I’m new in town. What do you recommend? I am deaf, so you will need to write your response.

Jenny placed the notebook down, smiled, and, using sign language, signed, “I recommend the BLT and some lemonade.”

Daniel took the notebook and wrote:

I am newly deaf. I don’t know sign language yet. The doctors don’t know why it happened.

Jenny took the notebook.

Sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed. I recommend the BLT and some lemonade.

Daniel wrote his reply, handed Jenny the notebook, and smiled.

That sounds wonderful.

Jenny nodded and smiled. She handed the notebook back, then turned and headed for the kitchen.

While he waited, Daniel took out his laptop and wrote some notes.

When Jenny returned with his sandwich and drink, she picked up the notebook which Daniel had left on the table and wrote:

Are you a writer?

Yes. I am doing research for my novel. It is set in a small town. Daniel wrote in response.

Wonderful. Let me know if you have any questions.

I will. Thank you.

---

Part 2:

Jenny Helps

Thanks for reading and responding. You make it fun.

Mark