Private Finished There In Plain Sight

So Starlight Academy had a library that just about every pieces of media on earth and other planets. Of course she came to this literal treasure trove after being blinded. Life sure was real funny sometimes. All the movies and books you've ever wanted! But too bad your eyes don't work no more. Not that a lack of eyesight was going to stop her. She was learning to read braille and every book she could ever want in braille was also available to her as well. Life still has a poor sense of humor.

Delaney's fingers slowly trailed down worn spines. Taking the words letter by letter. Her braille was pretty good for someone still in the middle of her crash course. It helped she was determined to learn it as quick as possible. The teen's other hand was wrapped around Georgette's guide lead. The poodle stood beside her owner, aware of their surroundings and on the watch for any obstacles. It was her who noticed the other human to approach the braille section. Delaney, focused on reading book titles, hadn't noticed.

Georgette watched as her master slowly made her way closer to the other girl. The poodle maneuvered herself to prevent a collision, but the two girls hands met as they inadvertently reached for the same book. Delaney jumped, totally not expecting the sudden touch. "Oh wow, I totally didn't even notice you there." Now that she was paying attention she could feel someone next to her. "So, what brings you to the braille section?"

@PixelatedGlory

Needed a book in the braille section for school? With no small surge of excitement, Delaney wondered if this girl was blind like her. Delaney knew an island this big had to have other blind people. Between getting settled and friends she hadn't the time to see if there was a local community. "You're totally fine. I didn't notice you either." She said.

Lycia had a nice voice, Delaney could hear the smile in it. It made her smile in return. "I'm Delaney, Queen of Black. And to my right is Georgette, my guide dog." Delaney had her own accent, a slight southern drawl and teasing inflection. "So where's nap club and how do I sign up?" If that was an actual school club then Delaney was going to have to rethink her ban on after school activities.

Didn't know what a guide dog was? Delaney paused at that, clear confusion on her face. Didn't, like, everyone know what a guide dog was? Maybe Delaney had rushed into an assumption in thinking the other may be blind as well. Or maybe Lycia. . . Delaney was having a real big brain moment here. Maybe Lycia was. . . not human! Or like, from another planet! Or dimension!

"I can explain." Delaney said, happy to do so, "A guide dog is a dog trained to help blind people like me get around. She keeps me from bumping into things or people." The teen petted the top of her dog's head. The poodle nuzzled her hand in return. "And sign me up for nap club! It sounds awesome.

"Do I bring my own pillows and blankets? Do you guys play relaxing music?" A nap club was like, the best club idea ever. Delaney was definitely going to share its existence with her friends. And not draw on their faces while they sleep.

Club provided mats, members provided the comfort. Help sleeping was provided and music was a possibility. Awesome. Delaney would never admit it out loud but she kinda liked new age-y meditation music. It was, obviously, very relaxing and nice to listen to while working.

But there it was! Delaney was certain now. "She is to my left at waist height. And I got the stick too! Though, I don't really like to use it. I mean, it works when I just want to go across a room. But! You're blind too, aren't you?" Delaney said, perhaps sounding a bit too excited about that.

"Sorry, I'm just kinda happy to meet someone else that's blind? Ugh, I'm making this weird. But like, you get it, don't you?"

Delaney ruffled her dog's ears. "I'd say so. The school gave me my cane, and offered me classes, but it was my family who gave me Georgette. It's nice." Georgette was more than a guide dog, she was also a friend and comfort. Whenever Delaney felt overwhelmed or needed something to hold onto, Georgette seemed to sense it and was there. But that was far too mushy to be revealing to strangers.

"Woah, like, you can see my soul?" What did souls look like? What did hers look like? Oh gosh Delaney had a hundred questions! "And I'm the same boat as you. My eyes got hurt because I looked an Elder God thing. Apparently they're like looking at the sun times one hundred. Can't see souls and I kinda feel cheated about that." Delaney laughed, but deep down she wasn't.

"Yup, we have the class for the bumpy words." Delaney giggled, "So, like, I'm super curious. What does my soul look like? Is it black? Do I have a black soul?"