Janice’s heart pounded every time Colin messaged. What they shared felt real — deep, warm, honest. But a truth sat heavy inside her: she was blind. With their first in-person date approaching, fear gripped her. Could she keep this secret? Would he walk away if he learned the truth?
Their connection had sparked online over shared loves — books, dreams, laughter. Late nights chatting had become the highlight of her days. But Colin had never met her face to face. Every time he suggested a real date, Janice invented excuses — busy days, errands to run. The truth was simpler and harder: she wasn’t ready to reveal she couldn’t see.
Then came the message she dreaded: “Hey, I’ve got tickets to a movie premiere this weekend. Want to go?” Janice agreed, cold dread twisting in her stomach. It was now or never.
She arrived early at the mall, cane tucked neatly away, sunglasses shielding her eyes. Inside, unfamiliar echoes of footsteps and chattering crowds made her pulse race. Seeking steadiness, she asked a kind security guard to walk her through the route to the theater. He guided her carefully, repeating step counts until she memorized them.
When Colin arrived, she hugged him tightly, relieved he didn’t question her shaded eyes — “I’m sensitive to light,” she fibbed quickly. He smiled and brushed off her explanation. They walked into the mall together, laughter and chatter filling the air.
Inside the theatre lobby, however, nerves took over. Janice lost her step count. She froze. “I just feel a little dizzy,” she lied, and Colin gently guided her forward. Guilt and fear battled in her chest as they found their seats.
As the movie played, Janice struggled. The booming sounds and rapid edits made no sense without vision. Colin leaned in, eager to share visual details that meant nothing to her. Each question chipped away at her calm.
After the film, Colin smiled. “So, what did you think?” he asked. Janice hesitated, clinging to words about beautiful shots she could never see. Then came the moment it all unraveled. “There wasn’t a boat… Janice,” Colin said quietly. “Why are you lying?”
Her heart shattered. Tears swelled. Before she could explain, Colin walked away. Janice stumbled out into the hall, breath shaky and heart heavier than ever. When a stranger asked what had happened, she whispered through tears the truth she’d hidden so long: “I can’t see. I’m blind.”
Suddenly, Colin appeared beside her. “You’re blind, aren’t you?” he asked gently. She nodded, voice trembling — “I was scared… I didn’t want to lose you.”
Colin’s face softened. “You wouldn’t have,” he said. “But honesty matters. Can we start fresh?”
Janice felt hope spark. “Deal,” she breathed — this time, ready to face truth together.
