It was a little past eight in the morning when Malcolm dropped off Amy's new phone at her door.
He was already turning to leave when Amy accepted it- then she stopped him.
"Do you need anything else?" Malcolm asked, confused and a little flattered.
Amy shook her head, then opened the door wider, silently inviting him in.
Malcolm hesitated. He handed her his phone instead, its voice feature already on. "I'm… not really sure what you want me to do."
Amy typed quickly and turned the screen toward him.
Are you okay?
Malcolm laughed, genuinely surprised. "I'm fine, thank you."
She tilted her head, studying him, then typed again.
Would you like to come inside?
Malcolm stared at her, frozen. "…Why?"
Amy smiled at his awkwardness.
'I have a favor to ask,' she typed, hesitating before turning the screen.
Malcolm stepped inside- and immediately froze.
"It's still here?" he said, staring at the cat.
"I'm calling it Golden," Amy replied proudly.
Malcolm didn't respond. Instead, he backed toward the door.
Amy frowned and typed, What's wrong?
"I'm highly allergic," Malcolm said, already pulling out his inhaler.
Amy winced. Wow. I can't believe I forgot that.
He waved it off. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
Still, Amy reached for his hand and squeezed it gently.
I'm sorry I forgot.
Malcolm inhaled, then exhaled slowly. "So-what did you want to tell me?"
Amy let go of his arm.
I have a friend from my old job. I'd like to offer her a position here.
Malcolm thought for a moment. "It's not in the budget. If she works with you, you'll have to share your salary."
Amy's eyes lit up. Thank you so much!
She hugged him without thinking.
Malcolm stiffened and gently pulled her away, as if she'd crossed an invisible line.
"I get that you're excited," he said carefully, "but I have limits too."
Amy blinked, confusion flashing across her face.
"I don't just hug anybody," he added, quieter now.
Understanding hit her all at once.
Oh- I'm so sorry.
"Don't be," Malcolm said, rubbing the back of his neck. "You didn't know."
Amy swallowed her embarrassment and forced a smile.
I'm really sorry I made it awkward between us… again.
She handed him his phone and closed the door on his face. Yeah, they were back to square one.
Amy was left with embarrassment.
Malcolm walked away with guilt.
Should he have waited for the excitement to pass?
Had he been cruel to her?
Amy sat heavily on the couch. She'd been ready- just a little- to explore the limits of her feelings for Malcolm. Was that him shutting her down completely? Did that mean he was already over her?
She reached for her work notebook and dialed Winnie's number on her new phone.
On the third ring, Winnie appeared on screen.
Winnie's face lit up- then she rolled her eyes when she noticed the shine in Amy's eyes.
"Don't tell me you're back with Jonathan."
Amy signed, Who's that?
Winnie laughed. "Okay. So what's going on?"
Amy signed, Are you still working at The Elephant Media?
Winnie stared at her like she'd lost her mind.
"Like hell I am. Turns out translating for you was my only purpose there."
Amy frowned and signed, I made sure HR printed your new contract before I quit.
Winnie laughed bitterly. "So did I. But Ms. Caryn fired me personally the next morning- before I even signed it."
Amy's hands shook as she signed. Why? I thought she was all about empowering women.
"She figured firing me would force you back," Winnie said flatly. "Leverage."
I'm glad I left, Amy signed, furious.
"Me too."
Do you have another job?
"I'm interning as an instructor at a nonprofit school for the deaf and mute," Winnie said, turning her camera to show an empty classroom.
Where is everyone? Amy signed.
Winnie sighed. "Honestly? I don't know."
Amy saw the exhaustion in her friend's face and made her decision.
Then how about we start fresh- on a school channel?
Winnie froze. "Don't joke with me, Amy."
I'm not. I got an offer. I thought of you first.
"That's- are you serious? Of course I want to work with you!"
But the pay is low. And there are no bonuses, Amy warned.
Winnie was already standing.
"Pin the location, baby. I'm coming over."
Amy smiled through the tears.
I love you.
"I love you too."
The call ended, and Amy sent her location- hope settling in where humiliation had been moments before.