My Husband Doesn't Know I Can See Again

The Accident Was the Reason

My eyes blinked open. Darkness. Is there a power outage? Or am I dead? I remember, I feel like I just had an accident. My car hit a big tree, which I had deliberately steered towards to avoid a collision with another car. For some reason, my car's brakes didn't work. Even though it was just serviced yesterday. I gently patted my cheek. Still dark. Strange. I patted harder. "Ouch," I winced in pain. It hurt.

"Delia? You're awake, dear. Wait, let me call the doctor."

That was my husband's voice. Doctor? I'm not dreaming. This must be the hospital. Thank goodness I'm still alive. But why is it dark?

"Harry? Where are you? Why is it dark? I can't see anything!" I touched both my eyes. I'm sure I'm not dreaming. Is there a power outage here? "Harry, help! What's wrong with my eyes?" My hands moved in the air, trying to reach something, but touched nothing.

"Calm down, Delia. Just stay still. Doctor, what's happening with my wife? What's wrong with her eyes? It's bright here. Why does she say it's dark? Is my wife...?" I heard Harry panic and ask someone in front of me. It must be the doctor.

Wait, are my eyes... blind? Is that what Harry wants to say? No! Am I unable to see? This can't be.

"No, Doc, I don't want to be blind. Help me, Doc, please!" I pleaded desperately, tears streaming down my face.

"Yes, calm down first. Let me examine," he said reassuringly.

He examined my eyes one by one. He opened both eyes wide. Still no change, still dark. I felt him move something in front of my eyes, but unfortunately, I didn't feel anything. After that, I didn't detect any more movement from his hands.

I heard someone let out a heavy sigh. Why? Who? I didn't know if it was the doctor or Harry. I also didn't know who else was present in this room.

"Mr. Harry, could you come with me? There's something I need to tell you about the patient's condition."

"No, Harry, I'm scared, Doc, just say it here, don't leave me alone," I pleaded. In this darkness, I felt alone. Lonely, and full of fear. I didn't want to be left behind.

"Calm down, Del, Lyka is here, she'll accompany you. I'll be back shortly. Lyka, look after Delia," he said as he walked away, his footsteps sounding more distant.

Lyka. I felt a slight relief when I heard her name mentioned. She is one of my closest friends. She's always been there through thick and thin. We've been friends for a long time, even before I met Harry.

***

"Lyka, I'm scared. How could this happen?" I lamented.

I reached out for her. I felt calm when I held her hand.

"Be patient. This might be part of His plan. You're strong, and I pray you'll recover soon," she said softly, comforting me. I held her hand tightly, afraid of being left alone.

After a few minutes, I heard footsteps entering the room. Lyka let go of my hand.

"Dear, be patient," Harry said, taking her place and holding my hand.

"Harry? What's wrong? My eyes can recover, right? What's wrong with my eyes? I'm not blind, am I?" I bombarded him with a barrage of questions. I was panicking. I was afraid something unwanted would happen.

"The doctor said there's damage to your corneas, maybe due to the car accident you had. A severe head impact is one of the causes."

"And then what?" I asked impatiently.

"But don't worry. Your eyes can recover. The doctor assured us of that. We just have to wait for a corneal transplant," he explained again.

"Do whatever it takes, Harry, so I can see again," I replied.

"Of course, dear, be patient. The doctor said it could take about three months before the surgery can be done."

"Why so long? Why not now?" I urged.

"There's a waiting list, dear, we have to wait our turn. The availability of donors is also limited. Besides, you have to undergo a series of examinations first before you can be operated on."

"Please try to make it happen as soon as possible, I'm scared. I'm afraid of living in darkness. You know I'm afraid of the dark, don't you?"

"Yes, as soon as possible, dear, be patient. This is a test for us."

***

I stood frozen in front of the vanity mirror. Staring at my face and clearly seeing my eyes in this mirror reflection. These eyes have healed. I can see again. But why has it turned into a nightmare? Three months ago, I successfully underwent surgery. I thought that once it was over, I would be able to see immediately. It turned out not to be the case. The doctor said I had to wait about two to six more months to see the results—whether the surgery was successful or not, whether it was suitable for my eyes or not.

After waiting two months, there was no change. I felt disappointed and desperate. Even though there was still a chance and another six months to wait, it felt too long. My hopes had already faded; there was no significant change. Everything was still dark. So, I lived with resignation. I learned a lot to prepare for the worst, from learning Braille to counting every step I took, measuring the distance between places, and sharpening my hearing. I learned all that over six months. I even bought hundreds of sunglasses and various colored canes to support my activities if I ended up truly blind. That's me: on one hand, suffering like a depressed person, but on the other, eager to prepare for everything.

Until yesterday, finally, there was hope. I don't know how, but suddenly I could see. At first, I only saw a small beam of light; it started when I woke up in the morning. As time went on, that small beam of light grew bigger, then formed a vague shadow. Gradually, by the afternoon, my vision became clear. I could see. I didn't expect it all to be like a dream—both a good dream and a nightmare. Both came together in my life.

The beautiful plan to surprise my husband turned into a terrifying surprise for me.

***

I was startled, my daydream about the past shattered. The sound of knocking on the door managed to stop me from the activity of combing my hair in front of the mirror.

"Come in, it's not locked," I called from inside.

Auntie Yara came in. I smiled seeing her. Good, this is my chance to ask her. Harry has already left for work. He said he was working overtime at the office today. Huh! Whatever, I don't care anymore about what you do, whether it's with Lyka or anyone else.

Poor Lyka, she had to call a taxi last night to leave this house. In a hurry too. I managed to see her from the front window. Her appearance was still very disheveled. The clothes she wore were inside out. But I was actually pleased to see her like that.

Well, Harry and Lyka, enjoy your fun time, because afterward, I'm not sure you'll be able to smile again.