Chapter 2

2

During the first three days after my sight returned, I focused on calibrating my eyes.

It wasn't that my vision needed fixing―it was actually better than ever.

I could stand by the window and clearly see the tiny aphids on the neighbor’s flowerpot twenty yards away.

But I had to relearn how to “act.”

I had spent months learning how to be blind.

I knew how to walk, how to navigate by sound, and how to eat without spilling a drop.

Now, I had to keep those habits while secretly watching everything.

It was harder than you’d think.

Eyes can betray you. They want to focus, to follow moving objects, and to blink naturally.

I spent two days practicing that “staring but vacant” look.

I made my eyes look like glass marbles―reflecting light, but holding no direction.

By the third day, I felt ready.

So, I started watching.

I began observing this home that I hadn't seen in six months.

It’s a forty-year-old house with two floors. The living room and kitchen are downstairs.

My parents’ bedroom and Elena’s room are upstairs. My room is on the first floor.

My father had aged significantly in the last half-year.

His sideburns were completely white, and he had heavy bags under his eyes.

Lately, he was always on the phone, hiding in his study as soon as he hung up.

My mother was constantly bringing food upstairs, walking with light steps as if trying not to disturb anyone.

And Elena…

Elena rarely came downstairs anymore.

That was the first red flag I noticed after regaining my sight.

Before, she loved coming down just to torment me in my room.

She would spill juice, move furniture so I’d trip, or put salt in my water just to watch me drink it.

But in those three days, she only came down once.

She knocked on my door, pushed it open a crack, and called my name.

When I answered, she just left.

I caught a glimpse of her face out of the corner of my eye.

It was strange.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.

Her expression wasn't like it used to be. Usually, she had this smirk of twisted satisfaction.

But that day, her face was blank.

Only her eyes were active, staring at me with an intensity that felt like she was checking if a piece of furniture had been moved.

“Hey, sis,” I said, turning my face toward the window with that hollow stare.

She stood there for three seconds, then closed the door and walked away.

I lay in bed for a long time, thinking about that voice in my head.

“Don’t tell a soul.”

Why did I have to keep it a secret?

If I could see, I could go back to school. I could go outside. I could have a normal life.

Why hide it?

But the more I thought about it, the more I decided to trust the voice.

It wasn’t just logic. It was a gut feeling.

Six months of darkness had taught me things.

It taught me how to wait.

It taught me how to rebuild the world using only my ears.

It taught me that when you don't know the full story, you should keep your mouth shut.

So, I kept up the act.

On the fifth day, things took a turn.

Elena came downstairs at three in the afternoon.

She didn't walk; she practically ran. I heard her footsteps, chaotic and heavy.

She pushed my door open without knocking.

“Caleb, is it hot in here?”

“It’s okay,” I replied.

She walked in. I didn't turn my head, but I could hear her moving around my desk and the window.

Then, she yanked the curtains open.

Sunlight flooded in, hitting my face. I suppressed the urge to squint and kept my eyes dead.

“The curtains are open, Caleb. Can you feel it?”

“I can feel the heat,” I said.

She was silent for two beats.

“Doesn't it hurt your eyes? The brightness?”

“I can’t see, so it doesn’t hurt,” I said calmly. “It’s just a bit warm.”

Another long silence followed.

I waited.

“Oh,” she finally said.

Then she walked out and shut the door.

I didn't move an inch from that position.

Ten minutes later, the voice in my head spoke again：

“Level One, cleared.”

I didn't know what “Level One” meant.

But the voice was certain, like a robotic announcement.

I didn't speak out loud, but I asked in my mind：Who are you?

Silence.

Why are you in my head?

Silence.

Can I ask questions?

“Wait for the right time.”

I closed my eyes.

Fine.

I’ll wait.