I thrum my fingers on the counter, counting the months on each one as I do. “Almost a year. I meant to come back before that, but we never got around to it. It’s really beautiful here in the summer.”
“A year is a long time. I’m sure you didn’t always remember where everything was during each visit. I wouldn’t after that amount of time had passed either.”
“Yeah.” I press my right hip into the counter. “Maybe not. Being able to see more than shapes and light would help, though.”
“You have your other senses still, and they’ll become stronger over time.” He treads carefully. “Lift your hand again and focus on what’s around you. You’re on the right side of the sink, remember?”
“Yeah.” I do as he says, my skin coming in contact with the cool wood.
“What’s the first cabinet you come to when you walk past it?”
“The one with the cups and then . . .” A light bulb flashes in my head. “The cabinet with the bowls. Second shelf should have the larger ones.” I scoot my hands over, slowly opening the small door, and I smile when my nails clink against glass. I do know where things are. I just need to not overthink it and go based on what my body remembers. What my feet and hands know.
“See. You don’t need me as much as you think you do. I’m here more for reassurance and encouragement.”
“You’d make a great cheerleader.”
“That’s because I was one,” he pipes.
My hand briefly slides away from the bowl. “Seriously?”
“No, but that would probably have helped me prepare for all the exercising I had to do during PT.”
I snort. “I’m sure you’re a lot better at running than me. Everyone is. Pretty sure I’m allergic to it actually.”
He barks out a short laugh. “So, you’re saying you used to go to the park just to sit on a bench near sweaty yogis before the accident too?”
“No.” I chuckle. “I like walking. You can add petting random pet pigs to the list now too.”
“Are there parks close to where you are?”
“Kind of. There’s a trail a little past my back yard. I used to cut through the trees to get there. It’s all covered in snow and ice right now, though. I slipped on it often enough before I became blind, so I’d hate to see all the damage I’d do to myself now.”
“A wise man once told me practice makes perfect . . . Oh yeah, that was me. So I’m here to pass the message to you.”
“Thanks. So glad to have you here to not only describe kissing scenes and help me find mixing bowls but to offer great guidance too.”
“Stick with me, young grasshopper, and you’ll never be lost in life again.”
I let out a short laugh. “I’ll get out there again eventually. I need to be able to find my way around this house first before I try to make it outside.”
“Sounds like a good plan. What is it we’re supposed to be making again?”
I reach for the bowl again. “Pancakes. I’m in the mood for breakfast food.”
“Breakfast food is good for every meal and probably my favorite.”
“Mine too.” A smile ghosts over my lips. “Pancakes, French toast, bacon, and hash browns.”
“You’re making me hungry now.”
“I’d say come join me, but then I wouldn’t be able to bother you through the app anymore and ask you to tell me over the phone what the expiration date on the milk is.” Am I flirting? Do I really want him to join me? I don’t even know the guy.
“That would be a bummer. I’d really miss that little alert noise my phone makes when you call,” he teases.
“I figured you would, which is why I’m not having you join me for pancakes,” I retort.
“No, you’re only inviting me to the cooking process.”
