Janice’s heart raced every time Colin messaged her. Their connection felt real, but she had a secret: she was blind. As their first date neared, fear gripped her. How long could she hide this from Colin?
One evening, she read Colin’s message through her screen reader.
“Message from Colin: I love that author. What about you?”
Janice smiled and typed back, sharing her favorite book. Talking to Colin had become the highlight of her days.
They met online a few weeks ago, bonding over books, dreams, and fears. But there was one thing Janice couldn’t share—her blindness. Twice, Colin had asked to meet in person, and each time she made excuses.
Then Colin asked about audiobooks, and her secret felt even harder to keep. He didn’t know, but she was terrified of telling him.
“Dictate a message,” the screen reader prompted.
Janice took a deep breath, ready to confess. But then she chickened out and sent a different message.
She couldn’t keep hiding it, but the fear of losing him kept her quiet.
Finally, Colin invited her to a movie premiere. She agreed, but the anxiety of hiding her blindness grew.
The movie theater was overwhelming. She practiced the route alone, clutching her white cane, but the fear of being discovered lingered.
When they met, Colin noticed her sunglasses. She lied, saying they helped with her sensitive eyes. As they walked into the mall, she focused on her steps, trying not to make any mistakes. But at the escalator, she froze, asking Colin for help.
The movie was hard to follow without visuals. When Colin asked about the scenes, Janice made up answers. But he caught on.
“Why are you lying?” he asked.
Panicked, Janice admitted she was blind. Colin walked away, leaving her heartbroken.
Alone, she called his name, admitting her blindness to a stranger. But Colin wasn’t there.
Then, he appeared, sitting beside her.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked gently.
“I was scared,” she whispered. “I didn’t want to lose you.”
“You wouldn’t have,” he said softly. “But lying to me almost did.”
“I’m sorry,” she replied, tears streaming down her face.
“Can we start over?” she asked.
Colin smiled. “No more secrets.”
Janice felt hope for the first time in a long while.