You feel sorry for the boy and don’t like that your friends are teasing him. “Are you okay?” you ask. He doesn’t answer, so you tap his shoulder. He looks up and starts using sign language. Then you understand—he is deaf. That’s why he didn’t hear you before.

You call an ambulance. While waiting for it you ask for his name and WhatsApp number. He types them on your phone. His name is Cristian.

That night, you can’t sleep. You keep thinking about his smile when you helped him. You feel many things—sadness for his pain, disappointment in your friends, but also pride and happiness for doing the right thing.

You learn sign language and Cristian and you become best friends.

This story inspired many kids to learn sign language and gain a new perspective on the world. It showed that friendship and empathy can bridge any gap, if you do not judge people.