The room was dim, my computer screen casting faint shadows. I sat at my desk, fingers on the keyboard, smiling as my screen reader spoke:<\/p>\n
\u201cMessage from Colin: I love that author. \u2018Love is War\u2019 is my favorite. What about you?\u201d<\/p>\n
I laughed softly, imagining his message, and typed back:<\/p>\n
\u201cGood choice! But I loved The Princess\u2019s Favorite<\/em>\u2014I bawled at the ending.\u201d<\/p>\n As I hit send, warmth spread through me\u2014talking to Colin had become the highlight of my days.<\/p>\n We met online weeks ago, bonding over books, dreams, and even favorite pizza toppings. But there was one thing I couldn\u2019t share: I was blind. Twice, Colin asked to meet, but I\u2019d made excuses. The truth scared me\u2014how would he see me after knowing?<\/p>\n Then, Colin\u2019s message came:<\/p>\n \u201cYou love audiobooks? I can\u2019t get into them. I need to hold the book.\u201d<\/p>\n His words stung, reminding me of my limitations. I typed:<\/p>\n \u201cColin, I have to confess, I\u2019m blind. I can\u2019t read regular books, so I rely on audiobooks.\u201d<\/p>\n But I deleted it. Instead, I sent:<\/p>\n \u201cI just love listening to books while multitasking.\u201d<\/p>\n I couldn\u2019t keep hiding the truth, but how could I tell him?<\/p>\n Later, Colin invited me to a movie premiere. Nervously, I accepted, though I hadn\u2019t told him about my blindness. I arrived early, practiced the route to the theater, and kept my cane hidden in my bag. When we met, I lied about wearing sunglasses due to light sensitivity. As we walked, I kept track of my steps, but I stumbled at the escalator, asking him for help.<\/p>\n The movie was hard to follow, but I pretended to enjoy it. When Colin asked about a boat scene, I lied again\u2014but he caught me.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you lying?\u201d he asked. \u201cYou\u2019ve been avoiding me.\u201d<\/p>\n Tears filled my eyes. \u201cColin, please\u2014\u201d But he walked away.<\/p>\n I stumbled out, calling for him, but he was gone. Desperate, I admitted to a stranger that I was blind. Then, I heard Colin\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you need help?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n I turned. \u201cI\u2019m blind… I can\u2019t see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n \u201cI was scared,\u201d I whispered. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to lose you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have,\u201d he replied softly. \u201cBut lying almost cost us everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d I said. \u201cCan we start over?\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled faintly. \u201cNo more secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"