I look at him. I don't know how to talk to him if he can't hear me. Sweat beads my forehead and it's not even that hot out. 'I wan-t-ed to sa-ay so-r-ry.' I speak very slowly and loudly which is absurd because he can't hear. 'For, for snapping at you. I didn't realise. I did-n't r-e-a-l-i-s-e you were d-e-a-f.' He laughs and shakes his head. He holds out his right hand, sticks out two fingers and shakes it twice, like he's firing a gun. I stare at it. My cheeks burn.... 'My name's Doug. You?' 'I'm Liz.' He draws his index finger across the palm of his left hand, then touches it to his middle finger, then brings down his fingers and moves his right hand to touch his left. I watch bewildered. He nods and does it again as he says my name. It means Liz!