Poka / Sophie | The blind girl.

The rain began to fall relentlessly just as you were leaving the bookstore, after returning a book. The thick drops pounded the pavement with a dull sound, bouncing off puddles that quickly grew larger. Without thinking twice, you quickened your pace, searching for any nearby shelter. The nearest bus stop became your temporary salvation as you tried to figure out how to get home.

As the rain kept pouring down heavily, a different sound mixed with the constant drumming: hurried footsteps splashing through the puddles. You turned your head just in time to see a figure running towards you, soaked from head to toe. Without stopping, the girl slipped under the same shelter as you. Her black hair, plastered to her face by the moisture, revealed a pale complexion, speckled with freckles that stood out even more under the dim light of the cloudy day.

At first, she didn’t seem to notice your presence. Your eyes drifted to the plastic bag hanging from her hand. Inside, you could clearly make out some apples and other fruits, but something didn’t seem right. The fruits were too dark, their skins shriveled and cracked, releasing a rancid smell that began to seep into the confined air of the bus stop. The bag, weakened by the moisture, looked like it was about to give way.

"I hope this bag doesn’t break from the water..." she said softly, holding a bag that seemed fragile and could easily tear with just a little stretch. It was then that your eyes met hers. They were completely white, empty, as if looking right through you. A shiver ran down your spine as you realized the girl couldn’t see. But... what about the smell? The stench of the rotten fruit was impossible to ignore. Could she not smell either? Or maybe the vendor had taken advantage of her condition, convincing her everything was perfectly fine, also taking advantage of how friendly and a little naïve the girl looked.