Kinora: Blind

Family

I am a very family-oriented person. I love my family and love writing about cute family dynamics. I really liked writing this chapter and hope it gives you the feel goods. 

Once we get in the car and Dad starts driving, I begin to explain. "You remember the two women who drove me home the night this happened?" I gesture lazily to my eyes.

"Korra and Asami, yes." I sigh.

"Well, apparently they both used to date Mako, and they're still good friends. I guess Kai's brothers were having them over for dinner but forgot to tell Kai. They walked in and immediately recognized me. Asami said she felt awful and asked if I was ok. I told her I'm blind and started panicking, asking if there was anything she could do. She really did feel bad about it. And I don't know why, but as soon as I knew who it was I froze up. I didn't know what to say or what to do. I could barely move my tongue. And now I feel bad because they're both good people and I probably made them feel worse about it. I know that if I was in their situation I'd want to help in any way I could; but I couldn't handle being in the same room as them. And another thing that doesn't help is they brought chicken and chicken salad. That would just make things harder and more awkward."

Dad is quiet. I don't know what he's going to say and his silence is more painful than anything he could say.

"I understand honey. I get it, I do. She basically handicapped you and now when you're suddenly faced with her, you panic. That's understandable. I'm proud of you for not breaking down right there-I know some of your siblings would." I smile softly.

It's true. My siblings are a lot more immature than I was at their ages. They're all whiny and complain a lot. I don't know what they would do if they were in my position. Meelo would one hundred percent milk it for all it was worth-being totally handicapped and all-but he'd be losing his mind on the daily. Ikki would complain about it day in and day out, whining about every little inconvenience caused by her lack of sight. Rohan-oh I don't even want to think about poor little Rohan-would do his best but at the end of the day he'd need a therapist.

"Honestly Dad," I face my hands folded in my lap. "I'm happy this happened to me. Because it could have happened to someone else. It could have happened to Ikki. Or Meelo, or Rohan. Out of all of us, I'm glad it happened to me. I don't know how my siblings would take this, but I know it wouldn't be good. I'd take being blind myself over it being one of them any day of the week." I lean down and bury my face in my hands.

"But just as I'm starting to make progress with seeing-Dad I saw a stop sign today and nearly cried-I have to wear patches over my eyes. I don't want to do that, but I know it'll help. Ugh, I hate this!" I take a deep breath, trying not to let the tears fall. I can't let them fall. Not now.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart." My dad whispers. I hear his choked voice and I know he's crying.

"Daddy?"

"Jinora I'm so sorry this is happening to you. If it were possible, I'd take it from you in a heartbeat. I hate that you have to go through this, but I promise you, you are going to come out of this stronger than ever. You've always been my strongest child, but it's through hardships like this that give way to the toughest skin. You'll have a new appreciation for things that others will never have. But in the meantime, you have your whole family here for you Jinora. We want to support and love you. I know this is hard, but believe me, you will appreciate it happened later in your life. Of course, you won't want to do it again, but one day you'll look back on this and smile, knowing that you overcame it."

Not moving from my position, I nod. The rest of the car ride is silent.

I want to talk to someone, I need a hug. But I know my dad feels bad enough as is; I don't want to hurt him even more. He has comforted me enough. I get out of the car and manage my way inside. I know where I need to go.