“Do you know what all you’re putting in there?”
“Yeah. Clothes.”
She lets out a short laugh and rushes toward me. Her hand brushes mine and she sorts through my bag, making disapproving sounds. “You have mostly pajama pants in here and one pair of rainbow yoga pants.” The middle drawer opens again, and she clicks her tongue. “Where are your normal pants?”
“In the closet, maybe?”
She opens the other drawers and tosses more stuff in my bag before walking across the room. Her low humming lets me know where she is as hangers scrape over the closet’s metal rod. “Found them. Three pairs of blue jeans, one black, and several sets of sweatpants. That should be enough.”
“There’s a washer and dryer, so yes, that’s enough. I’ll be spending most of my time inside watching “Lord of the Rings” marathons on the couch anyway.”
She shuffles back my way. “What about decorating? Stringing lights in the house? Making a wreath like you do every year? All the baking you love doing?” She pauses. “Of course, there’s also the Christmas tree and listening to holiday books.”
“Which can also all be done in pajamas and rainbow yoga pants.”
She breathes a laugh. “Fine, but you might want to venture out of the house at some point.”
“Maybe. Going out alone still makes me nervous.”
“I know, but you have your cane, and you went to all those classes on how to cross the street safely.”
“Yeah, but you know I hated leaving the house alone before too. It was just easier to make myself do it than it is now.”
“I know.” Her tone shifts. “I really wish I could go with you.”
“Yes, but you have your own life to live and a wonderful boyfriend who didn’t cheat on you with the neighbor.” How pathetic it was for me to beg him to come back too. Not only once but a second time when he came to collect the rest of his things three days ago. We had so many plans and he ruined them. I had plans.
“Yes, but I’m still your best friend and I’ll be here as much as I can for you. You can always call me from out there when you want to make sure you’re wearing matching shoes and you don’t have your shirt inside out before going for a walk.”
“Thanks, but I’m not bothering you while you’re out of town visiting your future in-laws and opening whatever fancy, overpriced gifts they get you.”
“Is it because you’d much rather contact that Be My Eyes guy?”
“No.” I shoot her a scowl. Well, either her or the bedroom curtains that match the baby-blue sweater she’s wearing. “I don’t even know if he’ll be available the next time I need help. For all I know, he found another job.”
“It’s only been a week, and you can always keep trying until he is.” She pinches my cheek and I slap at her hand. We go on to tease each other some more while I finish packing. After making sure I have everything I need, we load the car and head out to the cabin.
***
“I forgot how huge this place was,” she says from only inches away. I can feel her hovering as I slowly move one foot in front of the other up the short steps to the porch with my cane hitting everything in front of me.
“It looks way bigger from the outside,” I concede, pulling my keys from my pocket. I run my hand over all three until I feel the C carved in one. I touch the doorknob with my fingers first, and then lead the key to the center. Unlocking doors is getting easier and easier. I’ve had a lot of time at home to practice all the things I once saw as mundane when I had perfect vision.
I also would have disagreed with it being perfect at the time too. You really don’t realize what you have until it’s taken from you.
“I’ll take your word for it. I’ve only been here once, and it’s been a while.” The paper sack in Janie’s hand crinkles against her nails. She insisted on going with me to the market fifteen minutes away and buying me way more groceries than I needed.
She follows closely behind me as I walk inside, my eyes squinting when she flips the switch behind me.
“Sorry. Didn’t think that would be so fucking bright.”
“It’s okay,” I say, reaching for my sunglasses from my side jacket pocket. My light sensitivity sucks more days than others. “I clearly forgot how bright it was too.”
I hear her rummage through the kitchen, opening and closing cabinets. “At least you’re pretty stocked with dishes and tea.”
I laugh. “What more can a guy need?”
“I’m going to go get the rest of the bags while you refamiliarize yourself with everything.”
