The Opal Wolf

The night she was born was one of the worst snow storms on record. Four feet fell in a total of just over ten hours, causing chaos and havoc all over town. Cars were abandoned in ditches, trees fell from the weight of the snow on their branches and there were rolling blackouts all across town. The only place with power thanks to the emergency generators was the hospital where David and Shannel Collins found themselves. Today was the day that they would finally meet their baby girl. The decision to brave the storm was due to Shannel not feeling her precious little one moving. The doctors wanting to act fast, worried that something may be wrong. Mr. Collins, I need a moment with you please. The doctor tells him about his wife's condition and, because of the nature of the difficult labor, she will need both an emergency cesarean section and a hysterectomy. She unfortunately will never have another child, sir, but we have to proceed this way to guarantee her and the child's safety. The doctor looked at him solemnly. This wasn't the way that he and his beautiful wife had planned their life. They always talked about having a big family, plenty of kids running around, playing and laughing. None of that mattered now, as his wife and child were slowly slipping away. If he didn't act fast, he would lose them both and he knew he could not survive without them. Please save them, he pleads with the doctor. Do what you have to do to save my wife and daughter. Please!  Nodding, the doctor leads him to a waiting room and goes straight to this broken man's other half. He had to save this woman and her child. He couldn't deliver bad news to this man, knowing full well if he did, it would shatter the 6' man who could scare away anyone with just a look. After a very stressful hour and a half, the doctor heads back out to the waiting room with both fantastic and what could potentially be difficult news. He honestly didn't think the man would mind as long as both mother and child were healthy, but he'd had patients in the past who were quite picky over the strangest of things. Mr. Collins, I have some news. He looks him in the eye. Your wife and child have made it through a difficult situation with absolute strength, he explains. There is just one thing I need to bring up to you. What is it doc? Mr. Collins' eyes went wide. Is... is my wife mad at me? He blanches. Well, we know who holds this hulk of a man like putty in their hands, the doctor chuckles to himself. No, sir. I assure you she appreciates you speaking on her behalf when she couldn't herself. My news is about your little girl. She... she was born blind, sir. Sympathy swirls in my head for this man. For someone who isn't prepared, raising a blind child can be quite a shift in the family dynamic. Completely doable but still a challenge to adjust to. Thats it? He chirps. I nodded, shocked by his reaction. Noticing the look on my face, he explained to me that his brother was born blind and he knew what challenges came with that. Now, may I please see my daughter and wife? I nodded, leading the way. Gently, David opens the door and is greeted by the wonderful sight of his sleeping wife. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked a little anemic from the ordeal, but otherwise alive and well. He released a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Suddenly, the sweetest whimper to ever grace his ears sounded through the room and he saw her, nestled in her little bassinet. She was the most beautiful little child he had ever seen, ivory white skin like her mother, a strong nose and almond eyes just like him. She also had the brightest white tuft of hair on the top of her head. In the light, it almost looked as though her hair was made from soft strands of opal, so shiny and with the slightest purple-blue hue to it. Hello my little opal. To him, she was perfect in every way As a child, growing up was simple for her. She was surrounded by love and warmth from her parents and extended family. As she entered middle school, things became challenging for her. Children are notorious for being cruel to those they deem different and she was no exception. She was called names and treated poorly until a gangly boy with the sandiest blonde hair showed up and immediately took her under his wing, calling her bestie and his strong girl. This boy quickly helped her to come out of her shell, scaring any one away who tried to mess with her and helping her to become more confident and expressive. They were two peas in a pod, always together, studying in the library or hanging out at her house, quickly becoming each others closest confidants. Her parents appreciated the influence this wonderful and polite boy had on their girl, helping their little opal to see past the cruelty of other kids and shine once again like she did when she was young. They walked together on their graduation night, celebrating by having a traditional movie marathon with all the snacks that came with it and staying up all night.  Both found a college that was close to home, going in different directions for their majors, but still sticking close to one another. This would be a friendship to last the lifetimes and they were very grateful for one another, helping the other through their struggles and cheering at each others victories. He was there for her through the hardest time of her life, when she lost her parents. They had gone hiking up in the mountains, wanting to escape the emptiness of the house after she left, when a wild animal had viciously attacked them. It tore her apart, but her best friend was there for her through every step of the way. For the funeral, through every angry word, through all the tears. He helped his best friend build herself back up after the biggest loss she had ever experienced. The girls name is Selene. This is her story.