Chapter 5

The ophthalmology clinic at the hospital was crowded.

I sat in the waiting area, wearing an eye patch, and I could totally feel people sneaking glances at me.

"Leila?" someone called out.

It was familiar.

I looked up and saw Caitlin.

She looked as delicate as ever, her eyes red-rimmed.

"Leila, I can't believe it's really you." Caitlin came over. "Are you here for a check-up?"

I ignored her.

Caitlin sat down next to me. "Leila, I know you hate me, but you have to believe me, I swear I didn't mean it."

"Caitlin." I turned to her, fixing her with my one good eye. "Are you finished?"

She bit her lip. "I-I just wanted to apologize."

"No need."

"But—"

"I said, no need!"

My voice was a bit loud, drawing attention from those around.

Caitlin's eyes instantly filled with tears. "Leila, don't be like that. Rick's already really upset."

Rick.

She always used that nickname for him.

"That's his problem," I said.

"He really loves you." Caitlin sobbed. "He hasn't been eating or sleeping well these days."

"So what?" I shot back.

She said, "Just forgive him, okay? And me too."

I stood up. "Caitlin, let me ask you something."

She looked up at me.

I asked, "Did the clerk really recommend that cake tray?"

Caitlin's face fell, looking even more hurt. "Leila, you still don't trust me."

"Just answer me."

"Y-Yeah. The clerk said it was good."

"Which shop?"

"I-It's the one by the school gate."

I sneered. "There's no bakery at the school gate."

Caitlin's face fell.

"I've been to all the bakeries near the school. None of them sell glass trays," I said.

"I-I must've gotten it wrong," she stammered.

"You didn't get it wrong," I said, looking down at her. "You're just lying."

Just then, the nurse called my name.

I shot Caitlin one last look. "Next time you lie, at least make it convincing."

After changing the dressing, I came out and saw June waiting at the door.

"Was that Caitlin I just saw?" June asked.

I nodded.

"What was she doing here?" June asked.

"Playing the victim," I replied.

June snorted. "Shameless bitch."

On the way back, June suddenly said, "Leila, have you ever thought about learning something new?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Given what you're dealing with now, maybe it's time to learn some new skills," she said.

I knew exactly what she meant.

As an art student, losing an eye was basically game over for me.

Without depth perception, I couldn't even draw a basic sketch properly.

"I have a friend," June said gently. "Her mom works at a school for the blind, teaching Braille and everyday skills."

A school for the blind?

Those words hit me like a punch to the gut.

"I'm not totally blind," I muttered.

"I know, but learning something new could help. Like Braille, or maybe massage?" June said.

"June," I cut her off.

She instantly went quiet.

"Sorry, I'm just worried about you," she said.

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I know. Thank you."

That night, I sat alone in front of the easel.

The canvas was blank, and the paint box was neatly placed beside it.

I picked up my brush, wanting to paint something.

But with my left eye gone, my depth perception was impaired. I couldn't tell how far the canvas was.

The brush stabbed into the canvas, leaving behind a messy splotch.

I tried again and again.

My lines were crooked, the proportions all wrong, and the light and shadow a total mess.

Finally, I threw the brush on the floor.

Tears streamed down my face, totally out of my control.

Tears from my right eye splashed onto the canvas, spreading into a messy blur.

But my left eye still couldn't shed a single tear.