John wasn’t always blind. He was born with sight. Then when he was 16, he got in a car accident and the glass cut his eyes too badly to be saved. Now he must navigate a world that caters to those who can see.

One day John is waiting for the bus. The same bus he takes every six months to get to the doctors. John made sure to move far from his parents, who overcared for him after the accident. Try navigating a new city when you can’t see. Anyways, he was waiting for the bus, alone. He didn’t hear anyone around him. He had his cane at the ready.

“Excuse me, may i sit here?” John hears a young voice ask. Even younger than John, who was only almost thirty.

“Yes, go ahead.” John says and looks towards the voice.

“Um,” the voice says after a minute. “There isn’t any room.” John blushes and feels the bench. He then scoots to the right as he hears someone sit down.

“I’m sorry,” John says. “I’m blind.” He picks up the folded cane and points to his glasses. “I’m John.”

“I’m Richie,” the young man says. He sounds hopeful.

“Wonderful to meet you Richie,” John grins towards the voice. It isn’t very easy making friends as a blind person in a new city. “Where are you headed?”

“Just around. I’m really just along for the ride,” John finds that odd. Riding a bus just because.

“Can’t you drive?” John asks.

“I can. I just choose not to. It feels weird,” Richie sounds embarrassed.

Just then John hears a bus pulling up.

“Richie, what bus is this?” John stands anxiously. Preparing his cane to help explain his blindness.

“Number 218. To Atlanta.” Richie says from close behind him. John nods and feels Richie guiding him to the door.

“$1.25,” a gruff voice says.

“I’ll pay for the guy behind me too,” John feels Richie behind him, his hand on his elbow. John holds out the single five dollar bill.

“Uh buddy,” the voice says. “Theres no one else here.” John turns quickly and knows Richie is there. He can feel him there.

“Your blindness is a gift John,” Richie pushes John to take his change and find a seat. “You’re the only one that can see me.”