I had a colleague, Emma, who never spoke to me, though we worked together for years. I thought she didn’t want to talk to me. Then, five years later, at a Christmas party, she gave me a locket with a note inside: “I’m mute.”
I realized she couldn’t speak, not that she didn’t want to. Afterward, we shared a silent but understanding relationship. Seven years later, she left the company and left me another locket with the note: “Favorite colleague.” I was stunned by her quiet affection. I still keep both lockets and hope she’s doing well.