The Blind Detective

Chapter 1: One Of The Frasers

That house of the Frasers, a grand wooden building nestled amidst a sprawling garden, was a bustling hive of activity. Children's laughter echoed through its high-ceilinged halls, mingling with the serious tones of adult discussions. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the chatter of voices - such a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting intricate patterns on the polished hardwood floors. The walls were adorned with family portraits and shelves lined with books, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the home.
Outside, the garden was a riot of colour, with vibrant flowers blooming in abundance. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming roses and the distant sound of birdsong. A winding path led to a secluded gazebo, where families often gathered for picnics and afternoon tea. The house, with its vibrant atmosphere and charming surroundings, was a place where memories were made and traditions were cherished.

Nestled within the bustling household Oliver Fraser lived, the youngest and the thirteenth child in a large and loving family. At the tender age of eleven, Oliver's world was shrouded in darkness, as his vision was severely impaired from birth. While his siblings and parents reveled in the vibrant tapestry of life, Oliver's existence was a solitary journey, a silent struggle to navigate a world he could barely perceive.

His life was a stark contrast to his siblings'. While they attended school, learning about the world beyond their home, Oliver was confined to the familiar confines of their house. His parents, though loving and supportive, were unable to provide him with the same educational opportunities. They yearned to see their youngest child thrive, but the financial burden of specialized education for the visually impaired was insurmountable.

Oliver's thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. He listened intently to his siblings' stories and his imagination painted vivid pictures of the world they described. He longed to read, to explore the vast expanse of literature, but books with Braille were a luxury beyond his family's reach. His illiteracy was a constant reminder of his limitations, a heavy weight that burdened his young shoulders. Yet, Oliver's spirit remained unbroken. In the absence of formal education, he found solace in the simple pleasures of life and his mind was a fertile ground for dreams and aspirations.

The sun had barely touched the treetops when the Fraser homestead was already abuzz with activity. Horses, their manes ablaze in the early morning light, stamped impatiently on the hard ground. The air was often thick with the scents of freshly cut grass. Men, their faces tanned from the relentless sun, bustled about preparing the horses for their morning workout. Women, among them Oliver's mother, hurried to the barn to milk the cows and prepare breakfast for the large family. The Frasers' lives were inextricably linked to the land and their horses. They worked from dawn till dusk, striving to harvest bountiful crops and raise champions for the racetrack.

The horses were their pride and their livelihood. Each horse had its own name and unique personality. The family prepared their horses for competitions with the same care as they would for a holiday. Every victory was a shared triumph, and every defeat a collective sorrow. The Fraser children grew up surrounded by horses. They helped their parents care for the animals, brushing their manes and hooves, and dreamed of somewhat better future.

Although the Frasers' life was arduous, it was filled with love and mutual support. In the evenings, once the day's work was done, the family would gather around the hearth. Their father would regale the children with tales of famous racehorses, their mother would sing lullabies, and Oliver would listen intently, trying to visualize the world they described. Despite his blindness, he felt a deep sense of belonging to this large family, a part of this vibrant world where every day was a new challenge and a new hope.

Sometimes, on lonely dark evenings, the Frasers wondered how Oliver would make a living in the future. And, of course, they couldn't find an answer.

Yet, the answer frequently resides where the search is least anticipated.