The Challenge
Catherine dialed the CEO’s office.
“Mr. Hartwell’s assistant speaking.”
“Hi, this is Catherine Walsh from the intern team. There’s a visitor here who says he’s Mr. Hartwell’s father.”
Silence. Then, “His… father?”
“Yes, ma’am. An older gentleman. He’s been waiting.”
Another pause. “Please have him wait. I’ll check with Mr. Hartwell.”
Catherine returned to the man—Robert Hartwell. While they waited, they signed back and forth. He told her about his life as an architect, the buildings he’d designed, his late wife—a teacher for deaf children—and his pride in his son.
“Michael’s always been determined,” he signed. “He wanted to prove that having a deaf father didn’t hold him back. I just wish he remembered how to slow down.”
An hour passed. No response.
Robert smiled faintly. “Maybe I should go. I don’t want to bother anyone.”
“You’re not a bother,” Catherine said firmly. “Would you like a tour while we wait?”
His eyes brightened. “I’d love that.”
