“Hah hah hah hah,” I heard. I narrowed my eyes and focused on the sounds. With a mask on, I couldn’t see the cashier’s lips moving. His hands were occupied ringing up my groceries. And he was distracted.

No lip reading.

No gestures.

No clear sounds.

No communication.

Eventually, I guessed he was telling me not to take the cart.

Communication is so integral to human relations. It is important to know what to say, how to say it, and being clear in one’s communication.

Speak up.