There are no words. Almondine is used to the quiet around Edgar, used to communicating without sound, but now no one is speaking, not even Edgar's hands. She watches them carefully, but they do not form any signs she knows.

Instead, Edgar employs broad gestures she has seen him use with other dogs, dogs not from the farm. She would be insulted but for the look in his eyes every time he uses one. It's a mixture of apology and fear and resignation, and it makes Almondine wish she could tell Edgar that he doesn't have to talk to her in any way if he doesn't want to. She already knows.