Chapter 2

I couldn't even remember how I made it back home.

It was a damp and dim rental just under 300 square feet. It was nothing like Evelyn's flashy, over-the-top club.

The motion-sensor light outside had been broken for a long time, so the hallway was pitch black.

Every time we walked through the hallway, I'd hold Evelyn's hand and count the steps with her. She'd cling to my arm and laugh, saying, "I'm not scared of the dark as long as you're here, Matt."

I was already on the couch by the time I came back to my senses. In my hand was a crumpled piece of paper—a corneal donation consent form.

Just yesterday, the doctor told me Evelyn's corneas were badly damaged. The chances of her seeing again were slim, unless they found a suitable donor.

I signed the consent form without hesitation, planning to give her one of mine.

How ridiculous.

Just then, I heard the sound of heels outside the door, along with the tap of a cane against the floor.

Evelyn was back.

I instinctively hid the form behind me, slipping it into the gap in the couch.

The door opened to Evelyn stepping in. She carefully felt her way forward while holding her cane.

Her acting was terrible. She didn't look anything like a blind person. How did I ever believe her so completely?

It was probably because I loved Evelyn.

Love made one blind. And it turned out I was the one who had been blind all along.

Evelyn didn't notice anything off about me. She felt her way over to the couch and wrapped her arms around my waist.

"I'm back, Matt." Like always, she buried her face in my chest and nuzzled closer.

Before, I would've gently rubbed Evelyn's calves, asking if she was tired.

But now, I was the one who was tired. I remained stiff as she continued to hold me, not reacting to her at all.

Evelyn seemed to pick up on my indifference, but didn't think much of it. She probably assumed I was merely worn out.

For once, she didn't make any of her usual spoiled demands.

Evelyn asked quietly, "Matt, what if… I'm just asking what if… my eyes never get better? Would you still stay with me?"

I stared at her face. Her eyes were still unfocused, and her brows drew together slightly, making her look pained.

I couldn't tell how much of Evelyn's question was real. Was she testing my limits, or was she just laying the groundwork for when she would leave me in two days?

I didn't answer. Instead, I said flatly, "Your eyes will get better."

How could they not when she was never blind to begin with?

Evelyn paused, then let out a soft sigh. "Maybe, but I don't want to drag you down."

Then, she slipped back into her usual self, playfully saying, "I want some shrimp, Matt."

I took out a box of yesterday's leftover spicy shrimp from the fridge.

Evelyn couldn't actually handle spicy food. Even a little spice would leave her stomach hurting and make her break out in a sweat. But she liked spicy shrimp.

Before, every time she ate it, I'd peel the shell, rinse off the chili oil, and feed it to her myself.

Evelyn was seated on the couch. When she heard the rustling, she smiled and said, "Smells so good."

I pulled on a pair of gloves, peeled a piece of shrimp dripping with chili oil, and shoved it straight into her mouth.

Evelyn instantly choked on the heat, her face flushing red as she coughed violently, tears springing to her eyes. Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed the glass of water beside her. Her action was spot on.

The moment her hand closed around the glass, she froze. The next minute, she deliberately loosened her grip and knocked the glass over.

Water spilled all over Evelyn, and she snapped at once. "Damn it! How useless am I that I can't even manage to drink a glass of water!"

She started hitting her legs hard, her face full of frustration and irritation.

"Evelyn." I spoke suddenly, my voice eerily calm.

Evelyn paused. "What's wrong?"

"Are you hiding anything from me?" I asked.

Evelyn went quiet for a moment, then denied it loudly. "What could I possibly be hiding from you? Are you starting to resent me for being blind, Matt? It's all my fault for holding you back. If it weren't for my eyes, you wouldn't have to work this hard—"

I chuckled bitterly. In my mind, I crossed out the excuse that she might've had her reasons for doing this.

There was nothing but lies behind Evelyn's actions.