The View From Here

1. Breakfast in Diners

*Conners POV*

Climbing out of my cab with Howard in tow we headed into the diner my mom told me to meet her at hearing the Jingle jingle as we step in.

"Excuse me, but you can't have a dog in here. There is a sign outside that says no dogs. He either has to wait outside or you both have to leave." States a bored voice in front of me.

"Um... I don't think it's actually possible for us to be separate from each other... he-he has to stay with me no matter what..." I mumble to who I assume is a waitress here at the diner.

"Can you speak up it's hard to hear what your saying?"

"He legally has to be with me at all times."

"Why?"

"It's... it's because he's my seeing eye dog... I'm uh I'm blind" I stated hearing her slightly intake a breath. Taking off the sunglasses I was wearing I then shook my hand in my face to further show that I couldn't sees thing, and then put them back on.

"Oh um... I... I didn't know I'm so sorry for this um—" She started to babble, but I only cut her off.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. It happens a lot." I mumble to try and ease her embarrassment. As she keeps trying to apologize to me I start growing impatient standing at the entrance of the diner.

"I really am so sorry about that. I think we can make an exception for you and the dog. How many seats do you need?"

"A table for two is fine."

"Okay then just follow me to your seat—oh uh I mean uh..."

Here we go again with the apology's. I think to myself, but before she can start up again I beat her to it. "It's fine. I can just put my hand on your shoulder."

"Okay that's fine."

With that I raise my left hand and wait for her to put it on her shoulder. Walking behind her to my seat I can tell she's still worried about the event that just unfolded with how tense she is. Once we reach the table she tells me she'll help me with the chair.

"My name is Jenny and I'll be your waiter this morning. Here's your menu..." She starts off strong and slowly gets quite and placing the menu onto the table with a fwable sound.

"Can I just get a water for now?" I asked hoping my mom would get here sooner so I wouldn't have to keep up this situation that just seemed like a 'I'm sorry' merry-go-round with Jenny. As I sense Jennys presents leave from besides me I start petting Howard's head that was resting on my right leg. Howard has been with me since I've started middle school.

Growing up I would just use my hands to feel around everywhere in my house, but when I entered elementary school I started using one of those sticks to help me get around. It worked out fine for the most part I guess but I would always bump into things or end up accidentally tripping people around me, so when I was about to begin middle school I pleaded to my dad to get me a seeing eye dog. After a week he caved and got me Howard. When Howard arrived I was so ecstatic. That night my dad told me that he was a golden retriever and he described Howard to me while my hands traveled on his face. I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Jenny start talking again. "Here's your water... What's his name and yours? If you don't mind me asking that is."

"I don't mind at all. His name is Howard and mine is Conner." I said while trying to feel around for my cup only for Jenny to help me. "Thanks."

"I checked and we don't have any braille menus, but I can help you with the menu by reading it aloud." Jenny said as I heard the chair in front of me being pulled out.