Dearly Beloved

--> Twenty-Six

~~

Matt is holding my hand.

Mom is praying, she said.

Dad is happy. I hear it in his voice. He's excited.

The doctor is ready.
He asks if I am.
I nod a 'yes'.

I feel the lightness of his hands on the back of my head.
He says it'll be about ten minutes.
He has to be very careful.

I feel him pull off the clips.
Then I hear them clasp on what seems like metal.
There's not a sound in the room, for everyone is quiet.
My heart is beating at what I feel like an unhealthy pace.

No one says anything. Then the doctor says the first one is off.

I feel a bit of relief.
Then I feel him take off more clips.
They land in the tray again.

The doctors pace is so slow I'm impatient.
I'm not one to be impatient.
The second one is off. He says.

I sigh and he starts on what I hope is the last one. More clicking on metal.
Soon I start to feel my face cool down. I feel air hitting it.
And I suddenly react with goosebumps.
Matt squeezes my hand and says it'll be alright.

But I'm not nervous.
Or scared.
I'm just curious.
Will I actually see? Is it going to work?

I try opening my eyes when he's done with the last one.
Don't force your eyes honey. Please stay calm and keep them closed.
The doctor tells me to settle down.
Am I really that nervous? I don't feel it.

Alright I'm going to pull of the last set Ezra. They have tape. It might hurt. But I promise I'll be really careful. Just tell me when you're ready.

I take a moment to absorb what he's told me. Then I sigh and nod and say ready.

He peels off the tape. It irritates my skin. And I try not to pay attention. I keep still.

He's done with one eye.
He moves on to the second.
My eyes remain shut.

Suddenly fright overcomes me.
I don't think I'd be able to open them.

And what I'm most scared of suddenly happens.
The doctor says Ezra try opening your eyes carefully, please.

I try. I really try, but...

~~