The room was dark, the faint glow of my computer screen casting soft shadows on the walls.<\/p>\n
I sat at my desk, my fingers resting lightly on the keyboard, a small smile tugging at my lips. The robotic voice of my screen reader broke the silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cMessage from Colin: I love that author. One winter, I read nearly ten of his books. \u2018Love is War\u2019 is my favorite. What about you?\u201d<\/p>\n
I let out a soft laugh as I listened, picturing the message in my mind. My hand reached out instinctively, fingers brushing the keys as I carefully found the right one to respond.<\/p>\n
\u201cDictate a message,\u201d the robotic voice prompted.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood choice,\u201d I began, my tone light but warm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI might\u2019ve picked that one too, but I really loved The Princess\u2019s Favorite. I remember bawling at the ending and couldn\u2019t stop for hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEnd message. Send\u201d.<\/p>\n
As the message sent, a familiar warmth spread through me. Talking to Colin had become the highlight of my days.<\/p>\n
We\u2019d met online just a few weeks ago, and from the very first message, something had clicked. We bonded over books, sharing thoughts and favorite passages late into the night.<\/p>\n
But it wasn\u2019t just about literature\u2014we talked about everything: dreams, fears, and even silly things like favorite pizza toppings.<\/p>\n
But there was one thing I couldn\u2019t bring myself to share.<\/p>\n
Twice now, Colin had asked to meet in person, and each time, I\u2019d hesitated. I\u2019d made up excuses about work, errands, or just being too busy.<\/p>\n
The truth was far simpler but much harder to explain: I wasn\u2019t ready to tell him I was blind.<\/p>\n
As if on cue, the robotic voice chimed again.<\/p>\n
\u201cMessage from Colin: Wait, you listen to books? You love audiobooks? That\u2019s interesting\u2014I just can\u2019t get into them. I need to hold the book, feel the pages, smell the paper. That\u2019s how I really enjoy a story. Don\u2019t you feel the same?\u201d<\/p>\n
My smile wavered, the words sinking in like stones. My hand clenched slightly as I hovered over the keyboard.<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t know. Of course, he didn\u2019t know. How could he? But his words hit me in a way I didn\u2019t expect.<\/p>\n
They reminded me of all the things I couldn\u2019t do, of the ways my world was different from his.<\/p>\n
\u201cDictate a message,\u201d the computer prompted.<\/p>\n
I took a shaky breath. \u201cColin, I have to confess,\u201d I began, my voice trembling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m blind. I can\u2019t read regular books, so I rely on audiobooks.\u201d<\/p>\n
The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. My chest tightened as my heartbeat quickened. What if this changed everything? What if he saw me differently after this?<\/p>\n
\u201cDelete message,\u201d I said quickly, panic gripping me.<\/p>\n
\u201cMessage deleted. Dictate a message,\u201d the voice repeated.<\/p>\n
I swallowed hard. \u201cI just love listening to books while multitasking,\u201d I said instead, keeping my tone casual.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnd message. Send\u201d<\/p>\n
I whispered, leaning back in my chair. My head tipped forward as I pressed my palms into my face. I couldn\u2019t keep hiding this forever.<\/p>\n
But how could I tell him? I hadn\u2019t felt this kind of connection with anyone in years, and the thought of him walking away because of this truth was too much to bear.<\/p>\n
Another chime broke the silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cMessage from Colin: You keep surprising me. Hey, I have tickets to a movie premiere this weekend. Want to come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
My breath caught. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, trembling slightly.<\/p>\n
This was it. I couldn\u2019t keep avoiding him. But the fear was still there, lingering like a shadow.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I\u2019d love to,\u201d I finally typed. The message sent, and I leaned back with a mix of excitement and dread.<\/p>\n
I knew I couldn\u2019t delay the truth much longer, but for now, I clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, things would turn out okay.<\/p>\n
Being blind wasn\u2019t new to me. Over the years, I\u2019d learned to handle tasks that once felt overwhelming.<\/p>\n
I could navigate my neighborhood confidently, hail a cab without hesitation, and manage my daily errands with ease.<\/p>\n
But stepping into the unknown, like the sprawling mall where the movie theater was located, still left me anxious. The unfamiliar terrain felt like a minefield, and I knew I had to prepare.<\/p>\n
I arrived two hours early, gripping my white cane tightly as I listened to the echoing hum of footsteps and the faint chatter of shoppers.<\/p>\n
The place was massive, with high ceilings that made every sound bounce around like it had nowhere else to go. I approached a security guard near the entrance, forcing myself to speak calmly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi,\u201d I began, clearing my throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cCould you help me find the theater? I\u2019d like to practice the route before meeting someone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The older man nodded kindly. \u201cOf course. Let me walk you there.\u201d<\/p>\n
His voice was patient as he guided me through the mall.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty steps straight, then a right turn, fifty more steps to the escalator,\u201d I repeated the directions under my breath, committing them to memory.<\/p>\n
We reached the theater, and he helped me backtrack to the entrance.<\/p>\n
After the second trip, I felt confident enough to do it on my own, though the knot in my stomach refused to loosen.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood luck, miss,\u201d the guard said before leaving me. \u201cYou\u2019ve got this.\u201d<\/p>\n
I smiled weakly, though I doubted he could see how nervous I was. This plan felt shaky at best.<\/p>\n
How was I supposed to hide my blindness during a date? What if I tripped or bumped into something?<\/p>\n
What if Colin noticed? The thought alone made my hands tremble.<\/p>\n
As the meeting time approached, I stood outside the mall, sunglasses on and cane discreetly tucked into my bag. My heart raced with every passing second.<\/p>\n
\u201cJanice?\u201d A warm, friendly voice pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts.<\/p>\n
\u201cColin!\u201d I said, feigning excitement while my chest tightened. I\u2019d never heard his voice before, but I had to act like I recognized him.<\/p>\n
Smiling brightly, I opened my arms for a hug. Relief washed over me when he stepped forward and embraced me.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so great to finally meet you,\u201d he said, his tone cheerful. Then he hesitated. \u201cBut… sunglasses? On a cloudy day?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d I said quickly, my mind scrambling for an excuse. \u201cMy eyes are really sensitive to light. I wear them all the time. I hope that\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot a problem at all,\u201d Colin replied, brushing off my explanation with ease. His casual acceptance eased my nerves, but only slightly.<\/p>\n
As we walked into the mall, I focused on counting my steps while keeping up with our conversation.<\/p>\n
Colin chatted effortlessly about the movie and his favorite scenes from the trailer, but I struggled to keep my concentration. Somewhere along the way, I lost track of my steps.<\/p>\n
When we reached the escalator, I hesitated. My foot hovered uncertainly above the floor, my confidence evaporating.<\/p>\n
\u201cWait!\u201d I blurted, panic seeping into my voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Colin asked, his concern evident.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, I just feel a little dizzy,\u201d I lied, trying to cover my mistake. \u201cCould you help me get to the cinema?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d he said, his tone gentle as he slipped his arm around mine. The warmth of his touch steadied me, but guilt weighed heavily in my chest.<\/p>\n
How long could I keep this up? How long before he realized I wasn\u2019t being honest with him?<\/p>\n
As we approached the cinema, I let out a quiet sigh of relief. For now, my secret was safe. But deep down, I knew it wouldn\u2019t stay that way forever.<\/p>\n
Finally, we made it to the theater. Settling into our seats, I exhaled in relief. I had no idea if Colin noticed my awkwardness, but I couldn\u2019t let my guard down.<\/p>\n
The movie began, but following the story through sound alone was difficult. The loud explosions and chaotic action scenes made it hard to grasp what was happening.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsn\u2019t that shot amazing?\u201d Colin leaned in to whisper. \u201cSee how they angled the camera?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it\u2019s… stunning,\u201d I mumbled, hoping he wouldn\u2019t press further.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat stands out to you most in this scene?\u201d he asked eagerly.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh… I\u2019m not sure. Hard to say.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t think too hard. Just say the first thing that comes to mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cColin,\u201d I whispered, trying to keep calm. \u201cLet\u2019s talk after the movie, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure,\u201d he said, sounding a little disappointed.<\/p>\n
When the credits rolled, Colin turned to me with a smile. \u201cSo, what did you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was good,\u201d I said carefully. \u201cLots of beautiful visuals.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI agree. Especially the scene where the protagonist escapes the basement\u2014remember that part?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d I said quickly. \u201cThat was intense.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd when he made it onto the boat?\u201d Colin pressed.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, the boat,\u201d I echoed, my face heating up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere wasn\u2019t a boat, Janice,\u201d Colin said, his tone sharp.<\/p>\n
I froze, my heart sinking.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you lying?\u201d he asked, his voice quiet but firm. \u201cAnd why won\u2019t you even look at me during this date?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cColin, it\u2019s not what you think,\u201d I stammered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen what is it? Because it feels like you\u2019ve been avoiding me this entire time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tears welled up in my eyes. \u201cColin, please\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d he interrupted. \u201cI thought what we had online was real. But now… I don\u2019t even know if you\u2019re interested in me at all.\u201d<\/p>\n
He stood and walked away before I could respond.<\/p>\n
I stumbled out of the theater, gripping the wall for support.<\/p>\n
\u201cColin!\u201d I called, my voice trembling.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d I said desperately. \u201cI\u2019m looking for the man I came in with. His name is Colin.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you describe him?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI… I can\u2019t. I don\u2019t know what he looks like. I\u2019m blind,\u201d I admitted, my voice breaking.<\/p>\n
The woman gently guided me outside, but Colin was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n
Desperate, I raised my voice. \u201cColin!\u201d<\/p>\n
No answer.<\/p>\n
I slumped onto a nearby bench, burying my face in my hands as tears streamed down my cheeks. Everything was ruined.<\/p>\n
Then, I felt someone sit beside me.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re blind, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
I froze. It was Colin.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d I whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was scared,\u201d I admitted, my voice trembling. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to lose you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have,\u201d he said softly. \u201cBut lying to me? That almost did.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d I said, tears still falling. \u201cCan we start over?\u201d<\/p>\n
Colin smiled faintly. \u201cAs long as you promise\u2014no more secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDeal,\u201d I said, feeling hope spark inside me for the first time in ages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The room was dark, the faint glow of my computer screen casting soft shadows on the walls. I sat at my desk, my fingers resting lightly on the keyboard, a small smile tugging at my lips. The robotic voice of my screen reader broke the silence. \u201cMessage from Colin: I love that author. One winter, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":6811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tales"],"yoast_head":"\n