Erwin spends his days with his teacher and guardian in a little garden outside of common space and time. A curse has affected his teacher, and would take away his sight in the near future. This approaching blindness, along with his teacher's long bu...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Erwin stared at the page.
He didn't want to accept it, didn't want to acknowledge it, didn't want to believe it.
"What are you doing?" Erwin asked, staring at the paper. He didn't know what his Teacher was drawing, or what he was making, or why the man was taking such care with it.
"Writing a list. The same one I promised you yesterday," his Teacher answered, the pen scribbling across the page. His left hand was holding the pen, his grip firm, and his wrist steady. He didn't seem to have any trouble with it, and was moving the instrument as if it was natural. "This isn't as easy as it looks, you know."
"Yeah, I can tell. Why don't you just use a typewriter? Wouldn't that be easier?"
"In some ways, yes. In others, no," his Teacher answered, setting the pen down. He stared at the page, and tapped it, then ran his finger across the words. "And I've spent too much time rehoning my penmanship to spend an equal amount on typewriting. I'm not about to throw all that effort away."
"That's fair, but... couldn't you just tell me to write it for you? Then, you wouldn't have to," Erwin said, leaning over the table.
His Teacher was hunched over the page, his face a breath away from the paper. He looked like he was squinting, and staring at the text, but it was impossible to tell. His eyes were hidden, and the rest of him was hard to read.
"I suppose, but what's the fun in that? Besides, it's a good exercise, and helps me practice," his Teacher said, his head lifting. His bangs hung low, almost touching the page. "It also helps me stay calm, and keeps my mind occupied. I'll need that more than ever, when my sight leaves me."
"Oh, okay," Erwin muttered, scratching his cheek. He didn't want to press the issue. His Teacher had been in a good mood that morning, and the last thing he wanted to do was ruin it.
"Here, take a look," his Teacher said, pushing the sheet toward the boy. "See if there's anything I missed. Or if the text is legible."
Erwin nodded, his gaze falling upon the paper. It wasn't a list, not exactly. It was more like a letter, with all the instructions.
Maintenance for the Room
-Check the condition of the walls and ceiling, and patch any cracks.
-Check the doors and windows, and make sure the locks are secure.
-Check the wood and carpeting, and repair any damaged areas.
-Check the floors, and fix any loose planks.
-Inspect the books and furniture, and make sure they're not damaged.
-Clean the curtains and the rugs, and make sure they're not moldy.
-Make sure the stairs and railing are intact, and that the steps are sturdy.
