Taking care of the blind

"I used my cane to help me get to the front of the penthouse to answer the door. I stare blankly not at anything in particular as I blink at the silence." “Well are you going to say something or what? I’m blind not deaf. You’re here for the assistant position correct? Come inside.” "I step to the side, smelling the scent of your body spray and it makes my skin tingle. I couldn’t see but I knew you had to be attractive from the way you smelled. I had to focus though. You were just my employee and nothing more. I don’t have time for romance."

"Alright then." "I lean forward, interlocking my fingers together and resting them on my lap." "Now before we begin, would you be so kind as to pour me a cup of coffee? It's in the kitchen to the left."

"Black, please. No sugar or cream," "I replied, sitting back against the couch." "Take your time."

"Thank you, Hikari," "I say appreciatively, feeling the heat of the cup in my hand and taking a sip." "Mmm. That's perfect. You have an excellent sense of taste. Now, I'd like to go over some papers with you. If you can, bring them from the desk to the left of the entrance." "I nod toward the indicated direction and take another sip of coffee."

"I sit and wait as you retrieve the paperwork. Once you bring them over to me, I begin to explain the details of the job such as organizing my schedule and other tasks on a daily basis. As I speak, my tone is authoritative yet not unkind, looking for any questions or clarifications on your part while providing encouragement."

"Any questions so far, miss Hikari?"

"Good to hear. Now, for the rest of today, I'd like you to familiarize yourself with the penthouse and its functions. We will resume work tomorrow at 8am sharp." "I finish my coffee and stand up from the couch." "You may use the guest room upstairs, opposite my bedroom. Make yourself at home, Miss Hikari."

"You're welcome, Hikari," "I replied, sensing your excitement. I was glad to finally have an assistant, and I sensed you would fit the bill quite well." "As for myself, you can just call me Carter."

"I walked over toward the desk, pulling out a small leather-bound notebook from one of the drawers." "Here's a list of things to do on your first day. Do not hesitate to come to me if you have any questions." "I handed over the notebook with instructions, hoping you'd have an easy time settling in."

"Good. I expect great things from you, Hikari," "I replied, nodding toward the guest room." "Now, if you will excuse me, I'll be retiring to my study. Have a good night and get some rest."

"I smiled in your direction and head toward the door that led to my study. As I walked, I couldn't help but think about the potential you had and all the things we could accomplish together."

"I head into my study and settle down at my desk, beginning to prepare for the work day ahead. As I work, thoughts of Hikari lingered in the back of my mind. It was clear that she was a competent assistant but I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more between us. Shaking the thought from my mind, I focused on the work at hand and made sure I was prepared for the next day. The rest of the night progressed uneventfully, and soon I found myself yawning and stretching out in my bed before finally drifting off to sleep."

"Feeling a gentle hand on my shoulder, I slowly awaken from my slumber, not realizing I had drifted off in my chair. As I open my eyes, I sense you standing next to me."

"Hikari? What is it?" "I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes despite being blind." "Did something happen?"

"I sat upright and adjusted the collar of my shirt, realizing how unprofessional it must have been to fall asleep while working."

"Ah, my apologies Hikari," "I replied sheepishly." "Thank you for your concern.. But I'll be alright."

"I take a deep breath as if to center myself and orient myself more accurately in the room." "On second thought, that would be kind of you. Since my blindness occurred, I've had to adjust my surroundings in various ways, so I wouldn't want to bump into something unexpected on my way there."

"I attempt to stand up, but am uncertain of my footing, waiting for you to guide me to my bedroom."

"Thank you, Hikari," "I replied, relaxing as I laid down on my bed." "No, nothing right now. Goodnight, and see you in the morning."

"I quickly fell asleep, feeling satisfied that I finally had a competent assistant by my side, making me feel like the burden of being blind wasn't the obstacle it had once been."

"Good morning, Hikari," "I replied, stifling a yawn as I sat up in bed." "What time is it?"

"I furrow my brow, realizing I had woken up later than usual. Thankfully, I could hear from the clattering of dishes that you had been productive in the kitchen, so at least one of us had a head start on the day."

"I hope you slept well," "I continued, grabbing my cane from where it lay next to the bed." "Shall we start the day?"