Part 1 - The Game That Broke Me (and Reminded Me Why I’m Doing This)

Part One: The Connection Day

I had a moment recently; the kind of moment that hits you like a truck. A reality check. A slap in the face. A wake-up call that screams:

“This is exactly why you’re doing this.”

I’d been pouring my spare time into The Unspoken Communication Project: dreaming, planning, building. But I’d also been wondering… Will this work? Will people care? Can I really make a difference?

Then came Connection Day at my workplace: a day for the branch to come together, share updates, build team spirit, and play a game to finish off the day. It was my first one, and I was genuinely excited. I love connection. I live for meaningful communication.

That morning, while brushing my teeth, a thought crossed my mind:“What if they play Chinese Whispers? That would be hard for me…”But I quickly brushed it off. Surely not. It’ll be a Q&A game or something light-hearted. I reassured myself and went to work.

As the day unfolded, we heard updates for our workplace and inspiring stories. It was everything I had hoped for. Then, just before lunch, the game was announced.

Chinese Whispers.

I smiled politely, stood up, and said, “I’ll just pop to the toilet while you all play, I can’t really join in.” I meant to return after a few minutes. But as I closed the door behind me, my hands started to shake. My throat tightened. I was spiraling.

I made it to the toilet just in time. And the moment I locked the door, I collapsed.

I broke down completely.

I cried - sobbed, in a way I haven’t in years. My legs gave way. My heart felt shattered. I didn’t know whether I was overreacting or just exhausted from constantly navigating spaces that forget people like me.

When I eventually walked out, I still couldn’t stop crying. I sat alone in the foyer, staring out the window, hoping I could pull myself together. But I couldn’t. So I left, quietly and went home.

And in the safety of my own space, I processed what had happened.

Deaf & Blonde - The Game That Broke Me, Part 1.pdf

Download PDF • 153KB