"I understand," she says. "I suppose I, too, am looking for something familiar, though I do have specific topics in mind. I would ask you if you had seen anything relating to them, but considering our lingual predicament, it would likely not be of any use."

She takes a book from the shelf, opens it up, and puts it on the pile when she realizes she can't read it. She begins the motion again, but then stops. "Ah, I forgot to ask: Would you mind if I searched with you? We might find something if we search together."