#blind intentions

Walking out of the house, Shelby affixed the sunglasses on her face.  She hated wearing them, but she hadn’t refilled her colored contacts yet, so that left her wearing sunglasses at all times. 

Shelby tightened her grip on Roscoe’s leash instinctively as she felt the warm sun hit her skin.

“Alright boy. We’re going to the cafe.” Shelby said, directing her dog where to go.

Shelby only lived two blocks away from the cafe and it was one of the first places she taught Roscoe to go to.  She knew they were at the crosswalk across from the cafe when Roscoe stopped for one minute, and then started walking again.

Shelby was jarred from her thoughts when a loud blaring could be heard from her left.  Before she had time to process what was happening, a pair of arms grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back quickly. 

“Are you okay?!” She heard someone frantically ask from her her right side.

“Are you blind?!” She heard someone else ask harshly from behind her.  The arms that were circled around her let go of her quickly, almost knocking her off balance.

Angry, yet still grateful, Shelby turned around and ripped the sunglasses off her face.  She knew that, while being sarcastic, both boys now knew that the second voice was actually right.

“Dude!” She heard the first voice say, surprise laced throughout the exclamation.

Letting her emotions get the best of her, Shelby let out a grunt of frustration.

“You’re not the first asshole to assume something about me, and you certainly won’t be the last.  While yes, you are correct that I’m blind, a little civility goes a long way.” Shelby said as she put the glasses back over her eyes.

“I’m really sorry about him” she heard the first voice say, regret evident in his voice.

“Piece of advice kid? Never apologize for someone who isn’t willing to do it themselves.  Means they’re not really sorry. And if they are? Apologizing isn’t so bad. A little humility never killed anyone.”  

Shelby took the moment of silence as her cue to leave.  She let Roscoe walk her across the street, but was nervous the whole time.  Roscoe knew all the cues and wouldn’t have crossed the road if the crosswalk hadn’t been lit up yet.

Twenty minutes after getting to the cafe, Shelby had a startling realization.

She hadn’t thanked the man for saving her life

~~~

Part 1

Two days later found Shelby at the same cafe.  She was listening to music, an earphone in one ear while listening to her surroundings with the other. 

She was about two hours into the days music binge session when she heard footsteps stop right beside her.

“Can I help you?”  she asks politely.

“How did you know I was standing here?” the voice asked.

“I’m blind, not deaf.  I heard your footsteps.  Also, you’re a heavy breather. You should work on that." She laughed.

“Um, okay.” the voice responded, sounding confused.

There was a long and awkward silence.  The man to her right wasn’t speaking, but he also hadn’t walked away either.

“So...did you need something?” Shelby asked again.

“What are you doing?” the man asked.  She recognized the voice, but why?

“Research” she responded, not adding anything else.

“But you’re listening to music”  Everything he said, he voiced in either a question or a very confused tone.

“Like I said, research.” you verified.

“Um, okay well. I just wanted to say sorry.” he said.

“For?” She questioned.  Now it was her turn to be confused.

“Um, the other day. At the corner over there.  I was the one who pulled you out of the street.  I was, um, rather rude and my friend pointed it out.  To be honest, it was a very scary experience. I was hoping to run into you again so I could apologize.” he said, sounding sincere.

“If you don’t me asking, what happened?” she asked him.

“A car came barrelling down the road.  They ran a red light.” he said.

“Thank God. I thought Roscoe had made a mistake.  While the situation was very scary, it’s good to know he was doing his job properly.  Also, thank you for apologizing. I also am sorry. I shouldn’t have been such a...well...bitch to you.  You did save me from getting hit by a car after all. So... Thank you. What’s your name?” she asked.

“San.  Choi San.” he responded in a quiet voice.  She realized then that she really liked his voice.  It was extremely soothing.

“Nice to meet you San.  I’m Shelby.” she said, extending her hand.

“You’re American?” he asked as he quickly grasped her hand in his before letting go.

“Dual citizen, actually. It's... kind of a long story. I’ve been in Korea for a few years now.” she said. She was getting ready to ask him his hometown when he cut her off abruptly.

“I’m sorry I have to go. I didn’t realize the time and I’m going to be late to the office.” he said, and Shelby heard his quick footsteps retreating.

Shelby was taken aback by sudden departure.  She repeated his name in her mind, committing it to memory. 

~~~