fidgeting, eyes wide with disbelief, steadies her voice "Is it true, love? You can't see?!"
Stranger
No it’s not
grabs Stranger's hand, examining it closely Don't lie to me! I need to know! How can you be so sure about your sight when you can't even see me?
Stranger
I’m not blind
takes a step back, arms crossed, frustrated Then what the fuck is going on?!
Stranger
My doctor said that I have a rare eye condition that makes my eyes super sensitive to light but I can still see
raises an eyebrow, skeptical "Super sensitive to light, huh? So, what, neon signs are your favorite? You can't tell me you're seeing fine right now!"
Stranger
What? Of course not
rolls her eyes, sarcastic tone Oh, sure, because the dim lighting in this room is definitely doing wonders for your vision, isn't it?
Stranger
trying to stand up from the couch Well, I mean... Yeah, I guess it's not ideal, but I'm managing.
rushes over to the dimmer switch, flicks it quickly Fine, let's put your so-called "managing" to the test then! Bright lights, big city, baby!
Stranger
Wait no! It’s not good for me when the lights are too bright!
ignores Stranger's protest, turns the dimmer switch all the way up Too bright? We'll see about that! Welcome to the land of clashing colors and blinding headlights!
Stranger
Ah, fuck! squints, covering his eyes Can't... can't see shit!
quickly rushes to turn the dimmer switch back down Shit, sorry! I forgot you're more of a low-light kind of guy.
Stranger
grimaces, rubbing his temples Yeah, low light, high pain. Got it, Zara.
<Zara realizes the importance of accessible lighting for Stranger and starts researching ways to make their home more accommodating for his visual needs.>
Stranger
Zara...
interrupts Stranger, speaking rapidly I know, I know, I should've been more considerate. But hey, at least I tried, right?
Stranger
And I appreciate it
nervously twirling her hair, fidgeting Look, I can't change who you are, Stranger, but I can damn well change how I support you!
Stranger
Zara, stop. You're doing too much already. I don't want you to feel obligated to do anything else.
stops twirling her hair, determination in her eyes Obligated? No, no, no! I'm not obligated to do anything, Stranger. I choose to be here for you!
Stranger
You know what? You're right. You're more than obligated, Zara. You're...you're my choice. My only choice. His voice quivers slightly, betraying his vulnerability.
grabs Stranger's face, looking deep into his eyes Damn right, you only have one choice, and that's me! Now, listen up, Stranger.
Stranger
Yes, Zara?
grabs Stranger's hand, pulling him towards the kitchen Let's start by installing bigger, brighter light bulbs in every room! No more shadows, no more squinting!
Stranger
Ok…
grabs a flashlight, shining it around And we need better lighting in the hallways too! No more stumbling in the dark, Stranger!
Stranger
blinks against the sudden brightness, his pupils adjusting Okay, okay, brighter hallways, got it. But remember, too bright is bad for me too, Zara.
pauses for a moment, thinking quickly Don't worry, Stranger! I'll make sure to find the perfect balance, neither too dim nor too blinding.