Sightless Hope

Chapter Four- Isaac

   After getting all of the materials we needed, Hazel and I headed toward a local Starbucks in town.  As we walked along the sidewalk, I heard the sounds of the cars passing by and the sounds of the footsteps of other people. I heard children laughing and the sounds of animals. I never realized how much different the world actually sounded than what it looked like. I suppose losing your sight isn't so bad. As the autumn wind blew, I smelled the sent of roses and a variety of flowers.  I knew how Hazel must have been feeling after we left the park so I had a thought.  "You go on ahead Hazel, there's something I got to do." I replied. "Are you sure?" she asked with uncertainty. "Yeah,  I just want to get something for someone. I won't be long."  "Are you sure you don't want me to stay wi-" "I'll. be. okay. Trust me." I replied.  "Okay. I trust you. I'll be waiting at the front door."  I nodded and she left.  I knew that I was only a few feet away from the flower cart. I tapped my red-white cane until I smelt the overpowering sent of roses, lilies, daisies, and other odd flowers. The woman, who sounded like a sweet old lady, asked; "What can I do for you mister?"  I thought about it for a moment.  "I'll have one pink rose please."  As she handed me the pink rose, I heard the excitement in her voice as she asked: "Is this for that young lady you were walking with?" I suddenly felt my cheeks turn pink as I stuttered an answer, "S-She's just a friend. I was just getting this for my uh.. mom!!" I smiled.  She whispered, " Good luck." I thanked her for the flower and walked onwards to Starbucks.  Now before I lost my sight, I was pretty much a ladies man. I could play guitar, I was in a band.  So I thought I was pretty much the best thing since sliced bread.  After I lost my sight, things changed. Girls didn't swarm around me like they used to. Guys still messed with me but I didn't care. My old friends now avoided me like the plague, I mostly kept to myself due to the fact that I was still adjusting to the whole blind thing.  Through everything, I still had Hazel. She was by my side through everything.  She needed to know how much I appreciated her. I made my way to the front door, Hazel asked; "A rose?"  I nodded. She held the door for me. As soon as I stepped into the room, the strong sent of coffee beans, milk, tea, and other sorts of coffee stuff filled my nose. I could hear the chatter of people talking from all over the room, the clicking sounds of keyboards from people typing on their computers. It felt as though I had superpowers. It was really odd. I shook my head. When we got to the counter, Hazel ordered Green tea and I ordered a caramel macchiato with extra whipped cream. As we chatted about unrelated topics, like the new book she'd been reading or what new song I was learning, I laughed and smiled the entire time.  I told her corny jokes but was still able to make her laugh. Even though it was getting colder outside, my heart was starting to feel warmer and much less stone cold. Everything was going great. Until I heard the chime from the bell at the door. Until I heard a familiar laughter that sent a chill through my spine. Until they walked through the door.