Short Story | Vision

A young little boy lives his life with his best pal, stick we used to call it but for the little boy, he was Frankie. He was there by his side throughout the day and night; always giving his aid whenever the little boy wants. He was there for him ever since a lady in her middle thirties with dark chocolate brown locks, wearing a crimson trench dress gave him to her debased child on his eighth birthday. It has been two years yet he was still in good condition. Oh, the little boy knows how to take good care of him. Almost like he's a person.

Frankie wouldn't be there for him if a severe virus didn't attack the poor little boy's brain. Like the most of the people in the society, it was hard for the little boy to accept his condition that could affect his life forever as long as he breathes and he wasn't pleased but rather he was devastated and depressed for months; locks and shuts himself in his room tried to starve himself to death. His world was a complete void created by the piling negative thoughts and emotion circling over and over in his head.

"I don't like it here. It's too dark," he mumbles almost every day.

He sees nothing, completely nothing. In his pitch-black void, he's lost and freezing though sweet mom and dad were there for him, they almost quit their job just to watch over their dearest child. They couldn't let their second child die in a depression just like their first one. They've already lost someone dear to them, they're afraid to lose him too.

"Mom thinks I'm useless. Everybody probably thinks I am," he used to think.

Until Frankie barged into his life.

"Joe, I want you to have this," his mom held both of his soft hands. He felt his mom's palms were a little rough and calloused. He cried, letting out his emotions be heard. He reached her mom for a warm hug. Oh, he was so young to experience such a trial in life.

"Oh, Joe. We love you so much. Even without vision, you'll do great, dad and I believe in you," his mom's words made him realize what he should do. Her words touched him even though they always tell him about it. It was his first time to actually understand what they're telling him. During his depression, his mind was blocked. He didn't listen to anyone else, even to his mom and dad. He distances himself from the people, avoiding bullies and drama.

And suicidal thoughts were lingering around him, waiting for him to pull the trigger and let death do its part.

"Hey, buddy! Here it is!" His daddy exclaimed in enthusiasm. Daddy tries to hide the pain he was feeling for his little boy. He wanted to show that as a daddy, he could be strong, Maybe his son could be strong too. Daddy reached his hands and gave him a present. Young boy grasps it, holds it tightly with both hands. "Joe, that'll help you find your way. It'll be your eyes, your guide. Bring it everywhere you want to visit. Take good care of it and it'll take good care of you too."

He examined it. The little boy sees a long metallic stick, more like a pole. His heart pumps wildly, excitement and joy overwhelm young little boy.

"Frankie," he uttered under his squeaky childish voice.

"Frankie died weeks ago. You want us to buy you another dog?" Like a typical rich mom, she spoils his smart yet defect son. The little boy shakes his head. "No, mom. I will name him Frankie," he said, naming his gift after his late pet dog, Frankie.

His parents were fine with his idea. They believe that their son misses his dog.

Years have passed, the little boy isn't little anymore. He is now a grown-up Joe. He runs his fingers on the wall, feeling and sensing the texture of it. Frankie guides his way as he carefully finds the main door of their cozy home. Joe decides to go out. With or without vision, he knows that Frankie will take good care of him.

He smiles widely as he finds the doorknob. He twists it to hears the knob crack open. He pulls it.

He could see the outside world; lively and vibrant.

He sees the bright sun over his head, the warm morning breeze of the air, and everything around him; tall housings, green trees, and colorful cars. He sees the sidewalks winding. Walls were made of red bricks. He even sees a coffee shop near his place. Frankie leads his way.

Joe sees a variety of flowers, smiling and dancing at him. birds tail on him while singing their sweetest song. He sees a green monster truck with red flaming stickers roaming on the narrow road. Oh, everyone knows it is impossible but he sees it. He believes it was there reigning the long road.

He sees the aroma of the coffee leaking from the coffee shop nearby. He followed it.

Joe felt alive ever since Frankie came to his life. Sadly dear mama and papa passed away and now he's all alone taking care of himself. Even though, he could see his beloved loved ones waiting in the coffee shop, sitting near the window where they used to go while exchanging cheeky smiles.

Everyone thought blind men see nothing but darkness. Sure, maybe they could be right. Even Joe agrees with them! But Joe was different. He can see the world. A vision of the world he is currently living.

The colorful hues of the sky, vibrant rooftops, and everything was lively in his eyes. He wasn't completely blind. He sees the world through his imagination. They may not be exactly the same as what the rest see but it's better than nothing, he believes.

Joe finally arrived. Nobody knew how he did it but he did. He walked to the coffee shop coming from his late parents' home. Of course, Frankie was there to help him but the one who really helped him was no other than but himself.

A blind's man vision may be all black and white but when he accepts the facts and face the new beginning, he can see the brightest, the most vibrant, and colorful than a quitter's life with both functioning eyes. And Joe was a wise blind man.

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word count: 1084

ーa short heartwarming tale of a blind man finding true happiness behind the darkness. I felt writing something sweeter than what I usually end on some of my other works.

an entry for oblivion awards one-shot category
DJEB2018
#obliawards2018
3rd placer under one-shot category