Chapter 5. Lift Up

[REMINDER: SENTENCES INSIDE THIS FORMAT = *”--”* ARE SIGNED AND NOT SPOKEN]

Alexis Solace [1ST PERSON P.O.V]

I stood still, the tablet in hand, notes open.

*“Firstly, I want to fully disclose that this is a sacred place for work and solely work,”* he started. I raised my brows and did a quick scan of this ‘sacred’ place.

‘The garbage really adds to the ‘sanctity,’’ 

I thought bitterly, but I held back my expression as much as I could.

However, he seemed to notice me. *“Don’t mind the trash. You’ll learn to live with it,”* he said. I held back a gag.

With what I guess was a clearing of his throat, he continued, *“Not only are romantic relationships around here frowned upon, they are prohibited,”* he signed. I squinted at his gestures. How odd. He seems to be pretty well-versed in ASL. Not very fluid, of course, but you could tell he’s not quite a novice.

I nodded at his words, and he continued, *“If you have a relationship with som