Unravel // Van McCann

3. Exhausting Day

I walked back to my desk and sat down, still not believing what just happened. I was given an interesting case for once which motivated me to work even harder. I placed the folder on my desk and carefully opened it, pulling the piece of paper out. There wasn't much on it. Just a brief description of the case and how to contact the client. It was my job to find the rest.

I ran my hand through my hair and scratched the back of my neck as I pondered what my first step was. I'd like to interview the client and her mum if possible but I felt like it was too soon. I had to do my homework before interviewing them; I can't go in blind (pun not intended). I'd have to know what questions to ask so I don't waste their time, including mine.

I decided to do some research on what it means to be legally blind to understand the client's mum. I found it interesting that she lived alone. It didn't take long for me to learn the difference between being completely blind and legally blind. Being completely blind means you can't see any light or form. Being legally blind means you can still see but not clearly. Most people who are blind are legally blind. A small fraction are completely blind. There are several causes for blindness which includes age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Those who are legally blind can claim disability benefits, are exempt from taxes, and can receive low vision training. For safety reasons, they are not eligible for a driver's license. Once I knew what it meant to be legally blind, I decided to research how a legally blind person can live alone. Surely she must have a caregiver?

I was surprised to find that with the help of technology, it was possible for the blind to live alone. They have learned to adapt to their living environment, knowing it like the back of their hand. Items are labeled in Braille and there are appliances specifically designed for the blind such as talking microwaves. As long as they have a smartphone handy, there are text-to-speech apps that help them read and there are food and grocery delivery services.

Now that I had a general understanding of what it means to be legally blind and that it is possible for the blind to live alone, I wondered about the client's mum. How much can she see? Apparently not much if she thought her daughter was home the whole time. But what about her daughter's voice? Did she notice something was off? That the imposter's voice sounds different and that this imposter knows nothing about their past? Things didn't line up. I wrote down all the questions I had.

"Aren't you gonna eat?" I heard Theo ask. I turned my head towards Theo, startled.

"Um...yeah! What time is it?"

I glanced at the clock and saw that it was almost 1:30 PM. I couldn't believe I worked through lunch.

"Forgot to eat, didn't you?" Theo replied, grinning. "Must be an interesting case, then."

I didn't reply. Only smiled to confirm his thoughts and Theo left so I could eat. I stood up and closed my notebook, grabbing my phone, cigarettes, and lighter, and made my way towards the toilets. I didn't bring lunch so I had to buy something. I wasn't feeling the cafeteria food and didn't want to risk bumping into Christina again so I pressed the button for the lift, stepping off to the side in the off chance Christina was in the lift. Luckily there was a man I didn't recognize so I stepped in and saw he already pressed the button for the main floor.

I stepped out and the warm air hit me, which was a stark contrast to the cool air we had in the building. Luckily it wasn't humid like I know it can be in some parts of the country. I forgot to bring my sunglasses but didn't feel like it was worth going back to get them so I trudged on to my favorite place for curry.

There were only three people in the restaurant when I walked in. One good thing about missing the lunch rush was there was no queue. I walked up to the cash register and placed my order for the usual and sat down at a table, catching up on my socials while I waited for my food. Bondy texted asking if I liked the desserts he bought and if I ate them all, making me chuckle. To be honest, I only ate the chocolate honey cake and I wasn't really tasting it because I was full from the Sunday roast I had ordered. But I remember it being good. Sweet but not too sweet and the cake was light and airy. I texted my response and saw that my order was ready. I considered eating inside the restaurant with air conditioning but I wanted fresh air so I grabbed my takeaway and went out in search of a ledge to sit on.