before falling

chapter two

kiera

The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the faint vanilla undertones of old books greet me as I step into the cozy haven that is Ella's Books & Brews. The café-slash-bookstore belongs to my cousin, Ella, who beams at me from behind the counter the moment she spots me.

Elise! Over here! she signs enthusiastically, her grin as warm as the sunlight streaming through the windows. Elise is my nickname since my full name is Kiera Elise Cadwell.

Ella and her mom taught mer sign language when I was 15 after I hit my head climbing down a tree. I was 73% deaf without knowing how to communicate without using a piece of paper. Boy did we go through a lot of paper lemme tell you. 

Sign language is just...so much easier. But only if the other person knows it, if they don't then it's completely useless! 

I only talk if I need too. I used to be so chatty but people really piss me off so I'd rather just keep quiet, you know?

I wave and make my way through the small but inviting space, dodging a stack of books someone left on the floor and a young couple hunched over steaming mugs. It's a Tuesday afternoon, which means it's quiet enough to actually enjoy the place without being overwhelmed by crowds.

Ella's dark curls are piled on top of her head in a messy bun, and her apron is smudged with flour and ink—a testament to her habit of trying to bake and stamp book covers at the same time. She slides a steaming latte toward me as I reach the counter.

On the house, she signs with a wink.

I lift a brow but take the drink. "Generous today, are we?" I use my voice.

"You're leaving soon." Her smile falters slightly, though she tries to hide it by wiping down the counter. "This is my way of bribing you to stay."

I roll my eyes. "Nice try. College isn't optional."

Ella huffs, leaning her elbows on the counter. "I know, I know. I'm just going to miss you, that's all. I mean, who's going to tell me when my new cupcake recipes are terrible?"

"You'll survive," I tease, taking a sip of the latte. It's perfect, as usual.

Seriously, though, she goes back to signing, her expression softening. How are you feeling? About leaving, I mean.

I hesitate, staring into the swirl of foam in my cup. How do I explain the tangle of emotions in my chest? Excitement. Anxiety. The gnawing fear of being misunderstood—or worse, ignored—in a new place.

I don't know, I finally sign, keeping it simple. Nervous, I guess.

Ella's eyes narrow, the way they always do when she senses I'm holding back. "You're going to crush it, Kiera. You're brilliant and talented and, honestly, way cooler than half the people I went to college with."

I snort, shaking my head. "Cool isn't exactly the word people use for ballerinas who don't talk much."

Ella gives me a look. "First of all, you're deaf, not mute. You can talk when you want to, and anyone who doesn't get that isn't worth your time. Second, you're an artist. People could pay good money to watch you perform, Kiera. That's way cooler than anything I've ever done."

Her words make my chest tighten, but in a good way. Ella has always been my biggest cheerleader, even when I didn't believe in myself. 

"Thanks," I sign, feeling the corners of my mouth lift despite myself.

"Anytime." She straightens up, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Now, tell me—what are you most excited about? Don't say classes."

I pause, considering. "Maybe... just starting fresh. Being in a new place where no one knows me yet."