Janice’s heart pounded every time Colin messaged her. Their conversations were effortless, their connection undeniable. But as their first date approached, fear gripped her. She had kept one truth from him—she was blind. How long could she hide her secret before Colin realized she navigated a world he could see but she never had?

The soft glow of the computer screen cast faint shadows on the walls as she sat at her desk, listening to the robotic voice of her screen reader.

“Message from Colin: I love that author. One winter, I read nearly ten of his books. ‘Love is War’ is my favorite. What about you?”

Janice smiled, her fingers brushing the keys as she carefully found the right one to respond.

“Good choice,” she dictated softly. “I might’ve picked that one too, but I really loved ‘The Princess’s Favorite.’ I remember bawling at the ending—I couldn’t stop for hours.”

As the message sent, warmth spread through her. Talking to Colin had become the highlight of her days. They had met online a few weeks ago, and from the very first message, something had clicked. They bonded over books, late-night conversations, and silly debates about pizza toppings.

But there was one thing she hadn’t told him.

Colin had asked to meet twice already, and both times, she had found excuses to put it off. The truth was simpler but much harder to explain: she wasn’t ready to tell him about her blindness.

As if sensing her hesitation, another message arrived.

“Wait, you listen to books? You love audiobooks? That’s interesting—I just can’t get into them. I need to hold the book, feel the pages, smell the paper. That’s how I really enjoy a story. Don’t you feel the same?”

Her smile wavered. Her hand clenched slightly as she hovered over the keyboard.

He didn’t know. Of course, he didn’t know. But his words hit her in a way she didn’t expect. They reminded her of everything she couldn’t do—the ways her world was different from his.

“Colin, I have to confess… I’m blind.”

The words hung heavy in her throat, but as soon as she dictated them, panic struck.

“Delete message,” she blurted out.

“Message deleted,” the computer confirmed.

Instead, she typed something else.

“I just love listening to books while multitasking,” she said, keeping her tone light.

As the message sent, Janice leaned back, pressing her palms to her face. She couldn’t hide this forever. But how could she tell him?

Then another chime.

“Hey, I have tickets to a movie premiere this weekend. Want to come with me?”

Her breath caught.

She hesitated, fingers hovering over the keys. This was it.

“Yes, I’d love to,” she finally typed.

The message sent, and she exhaled, excitement mixing with dread.

The Date
Being blind wasn’t new to Janice. She had learned to navigate her world with confidence, whether hailing a cab, making coffee, or walking through familiar streets. But stepping into an unfamiliar place—like the sprawling mall where the movie theater was—felt daunting.

She arrived two hours early, clutching her white cane, the mall’s chatter and echoing footsteps bouncing around her. She approached a security guard.

“Hi,” she began. “Could you help me find the theater? I’d like to practice the route before meeting someone.”

The guard nodded. “Of course. Let me walk you there.”

As they moved through the mall, she repeated the directions under her breath, committing them to memory. After two practice runs, she felt more confident.

But anxiety still churned in her stomach.

Could she really hide this from Colin?

Standing outside the mall, she tucked her cane into her bag and slipped on her sunglasses, masking her eyes.

Then, a familiar voice called out.

“Janice?”

She turned toward the sound, heart hammering.

“Colin!” she said, forcing excitement. She didn’t recognize his face—but she acted like she did.

She opened her arms, relieved when he stepped forward and hugged her.

“It’s so great to finally meet you,” he said warmly. Then he hesitated. “But… sunglasses? On a cloudy day?”

She froze for a second before forcing a casual laugh.

“Oh, my eyes are just sensitive to light. I wear them all the time. I hope that’s okay.”

Colin brushed it off with ease. “Not a problem at all.”

As they walked inside, she counted her steps carefully, trying to stay relaxed.

Then she reached the escalator.

She hesitated.

She had lost count.

Her foot hovered uncertainly over the ground, and panic rose in her throat.

“Wait!” she blurted.

Colin frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Uh… I just feel a little dizzy,” she lied. “Could you help me get to the cinema?”

Without hesitation, Colin gently slipped his arm through hers.

His touch steadied her, but guilt churned inside her.

How long could she keep this up?

The Moment of Truth
Inside the theater, she settled into her seat, exhaling in relief. She had made it.

Then the movie started.

Colin leaned in. “Isn’t that shot amazing? See how they angled the camera?”

Janice stiffened.

“Yeah… it’s stunning,” she mumbled.

“What stands out to you most in this scene?”

Her heart raced.

“Uh… I’m not sure. Hard to say.”

“Don’t think too hard,” Colin chuckled. “Just say the first thing that comes to mind.”

Janice’s throat went dry.

“Colin… let’s talk after the movie, okay?”

He hesitated before nodding. “Sure.”

When the credits rolled, he turned to her with a smile.

“So, what did you think?”

“It was good,” she said, forcing a smile. “Lots of beautiful visuals.”

He nodded. “Especially the scene where the protagonist escapes the basement—remember that part?”

Her stomach dropped.

“Oh, yeah,” she said quickly. “That was intense.”

Colin’s expression shifted.

“And when he made it onto the boat?”

Janice swallowed. Think. Think.

“Right, the boat,” she said.

Silence.

Colin’s voice turned sharp.

“There wasn’t a boat, Janice.”

The air between them crackled.

“Why are you lying?” he asked quietly. “And why won’t you even look at me?”

Tears burned her eyes.

“Colin, it’s not what you think—”

“Then what is it?” he demanded.

She couldn’t answer.

Colin stood.

“I thought what we had was real,” he said, voice tight. “But now… I don’t even know if you’re interested in me at all.”

Then he walked away.

A Second Chance
Outside, Janice stumbled blindly toward the exit, her heart breaking.

“Colin!” she called, voice trembling.

A kind stranger stopped her. “Do you need help?”

“Yes,” Janice whispered. “I’m looking for someone. His name is Colin.”

“Can you describe him?”

Her breath hitched.

“I… I can’t. I don’t know what he looks like. I’m blind.”

A pause.

Then, a voice beside her.

“You’re blind, aren’t you?”

Colin.

Janice turned toward him, tears slipping down her face.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was scared,” she admitted. “I didn’t want to lose you.”

“You wouldn’t have,” Colin said softly. “But lying to me? That almost did.”

Janice inhaled sharply.

“Can we start over?”

Colin smiled faintly.

“As long as you promise—no more secrets.”

Janice nodded.

“Deal.”