You could. It's easy enough to pretend. Useful too. [ turning curry over, she scratches the warm belly. ] If people think you can't read and write, they'll think you stupid and blind and deaf too. They'll say a lot of things they wouldn't otherwise. You can learn a lot.

[ that particular skill kept her alive and privy to information she used to secure her escape and that of two others. underestimated and overlooked has been her preferred way to hide. ]