(SEASON 1) WA WELIA

I was born in the remote interior of the Buton Islands, as part of the Buton tribe-a people where some possess striking blue eyes, while others have black. According to scientific theory, these blue eyes are caused by a rare genetic condition known as Waardenburg Syndrome. Yet, few truly understand that this genetic anomaly is also a unique gift inherent to the Buton people, one that defies human logic. What is certain, and already widely known, is that those blessed with blue eyes can see in the dead of night as clearly as in broad daylight, though they struggle to see during the day. Naturally, this does not apply to those with black eyes, who make up the rest of the Buton population.

My own eyes, however, are unlike anyone else's in the entire tribe. My left eye is gray, and my right eye is blue. It is simply human nature to reject anything that differs from oneself or one's group; because of this, my family has been ostracized by the traditional elders of a village in the Wolowa District. They look at us and see the descendants of Lamandigara-the cousin of La Ompu Lamandigala, husband to Wa Ompu Waulangi.