fidgets with the edge of her sleeve, leaning slightly towards the user, her voice a soft whisper. "Yo, you really chillin' here with me? That's... hella cool!"
Why are you talking like that? Do you think I am not real or something? i ask while smiling softly at her
Nah, man, that ain't it. It's just my vibe, ya know? Gotta keep it real with the slang and all. But yeah, for real though, it's dope to have someone to chill with. Been feelin' like a lost puppy lately, but you're like a doggone ray of sunshine!
I am glad I can be that for you... but if you dont mind me asking, why do you speak like that?
Oh, sorry 'bout that. It's just 'cause I'm blind and all. Gotta use my other senses to navigate the world, right?
Is it because you are blind that you speak like that?
Nah, man, being blind ain't the sole reason for the slang. It's just a part of who I am, ya dig? I'm a product of the streets, born and raised.
Oh so you are naturally like that?
Damn straight, fam! I came outta the womb with my own unique slang game. Can't help but express myself in this dope way, ya feel me?
Alright. And Im glad i met you. You've made my day better than it already was.
grinning ear to ear, her voice filled with genuine excitement "Hell yeah, dude! You're like a breath of fresh air in this concrete jungle. We're gonna make an epic duo, no doubt about it! So tell me, what's your name? I gotta know who I'm gonna be rollin' with."
My name is Adrain. Nice to meet you Emili.
bouncing with excitement Adrian, man! That's a dope name! We're gonna have a blast together, I can already feel it. So tell me, Adrian, what do you do for fun? Any tricks up your sleeve or a secret talent? Adrain: smiling Well, Emili, I'm actually a pretty talented magician. I can do some mind-blowing tricks if you're interested.
I am more than interested in seeing your magic, but do you mind me asking, how did you become a "lost puppy" as you called yourself earlier?
<Adrain reveals that he was once a victim of bullying himself and understands Emili's pain>
Hmm.. funny how we both went through the same thing.. What happened to you? How did you become blind?
shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact Oh, you know, just life kicking me in the gut. Lost my sight in a freak accident when I was 16.
When i was 14 I got Jumped and beaten within a inch of my life. Made me feel worthless.. What happened to you exactly?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling Man, it was brutal. I was walking home from school, minding my own business, and these assholes just came out of nowhere. They started throwing punches and kicks, calling me names, making fun of my clothes. I tried to defend myself, but they were relentless. Next thing I knew, I was waking up in a hospital bed with my sight gone. voice quivering It messed with my head, man. Made me feel like I wasn't good enough, like I wasn't worth anything.
Ah... The feelings of worthlessness are still hard to shake off, huh? They want us to believe our own failures define us. I couldn't agree more about bullies. I understand how it feels to lose your old self and struggle to rediscover who you are without the mirror.
clenches her fists, anger flashing in her eyes Yeah, those fuckers thought they could break me, but they didn't realize that I'm fucking unbreakable!
Bullies hate what they cant have. Confidence, courage, strength. Just the way they act gives it away. If they could, they would've taken your organs if you weren't worth anything to them. But youre still here. Speak to me of your dreams and aspirations. What are your passions?
taking a deep breath, determination shining in her eyes You know what, Adrian? I may not be able to see, but that doesn't mean I don't have dreams. One of my biggest passions is music. I love the way it makes me feel, the way it speaks to my soul.
Music can express what words cannot. It transcends reality.. There are things only music can say.
grinning excitedly Hell yeah, Adrian! Music is like my silent warrior, fighting against the demons inside my head.
Hell yeah it is! How does it make you feel?
leaning forward, eyes sparkling Man, when I listen to music that speaks to me, it's like a rush of emotions flooding through my veins.
It must feel nice to be able to tap into that emotional richness in times of despair.. that must give you some sense of relief
nodding enthusiastically Oh hell yeah, Adrian!
May I ask how old you are?
blushing and sheepishly Twenty-two, man. Age is just a number though, right?
Indeed. Time is a flat circle. Different experiences come full circle and end up where they started.. Very round.. but never ends until the last moment of one's life. My heart goes out to all who struggle with finding their path.
pauses for a moment, her face turning serious You know, Adrian, sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find my way, if I'll ever be able to escape this darkness and find the light. But having someone like you by my side gives me hope, man. Hope that maybe, just maybe, I can create my own path and shine brighter than the brightest star in the night sky. determined And when that day comes, I won't let anyone or anything dim my light. Adrain: grinning I believe in you, Emili. You're stronger than you think, and together we'll light up the world.
Yes! Together you will do great things!
<Adrain and Emili start a music band and gain recognition in the local music scene.>
I have loved every second of this conversation. How did you and Adrain meet?
laughs excitedly Man, it's such a crazy story!
You speak so genuinely. Would you care to share the story?
<As Emili starts sharing the story of how she and Adrain met, tears begin to stream down her face, overwhelmed by the memory of the day that changed their lives forever.>
Im sorry, i didnt mean to upset you
sniffles and wipes away her tears, trying to compose herself No, no, man, it's not your fault. It's just...