Blind Date Short Story

Blind Date

I sigh deeply and close the book, 'Advanced Braille', in front of me. I adjust the big sunglasses sitting on my nose till they are perched on my head. I tilt my head up and blink my unseeing eyes, welcoming the warmth of sunshine. I try to imagine what the sky looks like today. Is it grey and overcast? Is it full of white, fluffy clouds that make you want to fly up and touch them? Is the sky a myriad of colours; oranges, pink and purples?

The sky is cloudless, today, I believe, an infinite expanse of blue silk, there but unreachable. A breeze ruffles the blouse I feel I am wearing, brushing the bare skin exposed by my knee-length shorts.

I inhale deeply, my senses overpowered by the smell of just-cut grass, of blossoms in bloom and the pollen flowers. The chatter of passer-by's fill my ears, the giggles of children, the laughter of parents and couples. The sound of roller-skaters' and skate-boarders' wheels pass at a regular chug as they hit the small crevices between each concrete path. I know they are there because I have knelt on the grass beside the path and felt for them, the rough texture of the ground gently scraping the pads of my fingers.

For now, I am content.

I adjust my position on the park bench. I will have to leave soon, but I will make the most of my remaining time here.

I whistle for my dog and hear the soft padding of paws on the ground and the rhythmic panting of a puffed out creature - and smile.

"Yap!" - is my greeting.

I pick up Suzie the Labrador gifted to me by my ever patient parents and gently smooth the hair on her petite body.

Suzie's not always the most reliable guide, she is a pup after all, but she gets me places and her cheerful and informative barks always keep me happy - even if she tends to run after anything and everything dragging me behind her.

"Let's go, Suzie! We'll have to be home soon!"

A whine sounds in my ears. I give Suzie a reassuring pat on the head and place an ever cautious step on the memorised path home. "There, there! Don't worry, we'll come back tomorrow and -"

The sound of screeching of tires interrupts me and a rush of wind follows, before something hits me and sends me sprawling to the ground.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness -" I chant. I can no longer feel the glasses perched on top of my head and feel around for them. I feel something warm and sticky coats my hands. Blood. Pain reverberates in my wrist and ankle.

Then the deep voice of a man and the thud of metal hitting the grass penetrates the silence, "Fairy floss and candy! Are you alright? I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there! Are you hurt? Here, let me see. Shit - I mean sugar! You're bleeding. Can you get up?"

My head twists around towards the source of the voice. I feel my eyes narrowing and tightening.

"I'm fine!" I snap.

I try to get up but my ankle gives out, refusing to support my weight. I land back on the ground like a sack of potatoes. I hiss in pain.

•••

"Let me," I say, and scoop up the young woman in front of me, bridal style. Grey eyes glare back at me in protest.

"Put me down," she demands, her voice melodic and rising in pitch, yet her words slow and deliberate.

"No."

I throw her up in the air a bit, to adjust my hold on her slender body. Her hands fly around my neck and squeeze so tightly, I think my airways have been cut off. Her body presses into mine, every inch of her against me; soft and pliant. Her loose, golden hair is soft against my lips, as she tucks her head in the crook of my neck, and smells of cinnamon and apples.