“I’m moving out. I can’t live here anymore. I’m twenty-three years old. I lived on my own for four years in a foreign country. I can’t expect to move back intoyourspace and be happy. I need to be independent.”
“But who’s going to look after you?”
“Iam,” I said. “I realized that ever since I got the news, I’ve been so busy moping and mourning that I haven’t done any thinking about how I’m going to live after I lose my sight. I don’t have that luxury anymore. And you know what? People have been living without their eyesight for thousands of yearsanddoing awesome things. James Holman circumnavigated the globe on foot. Helen Keller was a political activist. Stevie Wonder captivates millions with his music. I’ve been reading about this bloke called Homer, who wrote the most famous story in the world.”
Mum’s brow furrowed. “Some blind bloke wroteWonky Donkey? Did he draw the pictures, too?”
“Um… yes. Sure he did. Mypointis, if they can deal, so can I.” I pushed a pamphlet across the table to her. “Dr. Clements gave me this. These are programs that will teach me how to use a cane and go shopping and even put my makeup on when I can’t see. And I could have a guide dog. I’ve always wanted a puppy!”
Mum picked up one of Dr. Clements’ glossy brochures. “These look so expensive, Mina.”
“There’s funding available to help get the equipment I need, and anything else I’ll just have to save up for. Luckily, I’ve learned some pretty neat tricks if I ever need an additional income stream,” I grinned at her. “It’s time that I stopped moping about what I can’t change and start embracing the good things in my life.”
“But moving out is such a big step… are you sure about this?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life,” I picked up one of her posters. “Except that ‘Soapgasm’ is a terrible name. What were you thinking? Can I redraw these for you? Seriously, they’re terrible.”
She threw her arms around me. “Oh, Mina. I’m so glad you’re back.”
“Me too.”
“Let’s never fight again.” Mum planted a kiss on my forehead. “What about your father?”
I reached into my pocket and touched the note. “I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m ready to reach out to him just yet. But I need to count on your support if I decide to. Just because you don’t want a relationship with him, doesn’t mean I don’t.”
“Fair enough.”
I grinned. “If I do, you’ll be the first to know.”
Mum’s smile lit up our dingy kitchen. “Now that I’ve got you back, can I just ask one important question?”
“Sure.”
“Are you going to marry James Moriarty? Because it would be much easier to get all the equipment if you had a rich husband to pay for it all. And maybe he could get me a new car while he was at it. Oh, and one of those tubs that massage your feet while you watch the telly, and a mink coat, and a Tiffany necklace…”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
“Excuse me.” A customer approached the desk and set down a children’s paperback adventure book. “I purchased this book about a month ago.”
“Yes, I remember you.” I smiled. I’d sold the woman a racy reverse harem romance by KT Strange for her beach holiday, and the adventure story for her niece. “Did your niece enjoy her present?”
“Oh, she hasn’t taken her head out of that book I gave her,” the woman smiled. “That’s not what I came about. I’m not happy with the choice you made for me. I wanted to get lost in a whirlwind romance, but I finished this book in a matter of minutes and let me tell you, the plot was rather juvenile and I didn’t feel the love interestat all. Next time, you need to listen to what a customer is asking for and—”
“Um…” I stared at the cover, struggling to contain my laughter. “Ma’am, this is the book we chose for your niece. The book you gave her was supposed to be for you.”
“Oh.” The woman raised her hand to her mouth. “Oh, no.”
She dropped the book on the counter and dashed off. Unable to contain myself any longer, I collapsed into giggles. Heathcliff looked over the top of his book.
“Don’t mind me.” I wiped the tears from my eyes. “It feels good to be back in the shop.”
Itwasgood. Hayes had already stopped in to let us know that Christina would be going to a psychiatric facility, which seemed like the best solution. I hoped they’d let her keep her bonnets. The tear in Gerald’s shirt cuff matched a scrap of fabric found at one of the previous Argleton Jewel Thief scenes, and a search of his house revealed a stash of jewels nicked from the homes of his British Heritage clients. Hannah dumped him and had started frequenting the shop, much to Heathcliff’s dismay and my delight. Morrie hadn’t called Quoth ‘little birdie’ once, and the boys were bickering less than usual. Lydia was as annoying as ever, but she’d spent most of her time exploring the village and sorting out her newest scheme, so we’d hardly had to worry about her. The only thing that could have improved life was if Heathcliff would hang some Christmas decorations.
BANG. BANG. BANG.Lydia dragged an oversized suitcase down the stairs. Morrie had made the mistake of lending her his credit card so she could buy an appropriate wardrobe. Although considering where she was going, perhaps it was good she got some practice lifting heavy things.
“I still can’t believe you joined the army,” I admonished her.
“Oh, Mina, stop fussing. It will be such good fun!” Lydia clapped her hands. “If I’m to find a soldier to marry me, I must go where the soldiers are. Besides, I thought you’d be pleased that I am throwing off the patriarchal yoke and taking the King’s shilling—”
