Lost Art of Mystery

Lilting sounds of children’s laughter drifted through the humid summer air. A small crowd of families and teachers cheered, shouted, clapped, and hooted as someone called out “goallll!” Suddenly, as if on queue, a flock of wild green parrots fluttered across the open field, squawking wildly over the sounds below. The sweet fragrance of blooming jasmine hung in the air. Closer to the field, a floral aroma mingled with the smell of sweat and a pending rain shower.

Pressing tightly against his slim bony back, she smiled to herself, feeling the heat radiating from his body. Her hands gripped his shoulders as she moved closer to him. The girl in line behind her giggled into her ear and teased her about the crush. It was obvious the moment she heard her friend’s voice shift to a higher tone when he was near. Louis had the best vision, was a year older, and had been their designated guide since the beginning of middle school.

Keela was born blind. An only child to loving parents in a small village, she had always been happy and easy-going. Her favorite thing was music, and she would sit outside, under a tree in the shade. She loved singing along to music playing on a small transistor radio while her mother hung out laundry to dry. Her young voice was high pitched yet crystal clear. More than once, small birds would come to line up on the laundry line and perch close to her as if they were attending a private concert. Sometimes they would even chime in. Her mother believed it was a sign. Keela was gifted.

Her parents wanted the best for her, and when they heard about the preparatory boarding school for the blind, they submitted her application. Because of her stellar grades, she was offered the fast track to vocational career study, as well as the privilege of advanced musical programs. She didn’t want to leave her home, but her parents promised they would visit regularly and they even stayed there with her for the first week while she adjusted and met her classmates. The best part was that Louis was studying there as well.

Time passed, as it does, and months turned to years. Keela excelled in all of her studies. She and Louis were inseparable. She felt strongly for him, but they remained just friends. There was an unmistakable attraction but it seemed taboo to act on it, and she dreaded the thought of rejection or even worse, the possibility of Louis being moved to another group leader position. So she kept her heart’s secret to herself. When it came time for him to graduate, he was offered work at a top telecom company providing customer service. The day of his graduation, he hugged Keela for a long time. He whispered into her ear that they would meet again soon. She was heartbroken to lose her best friend, and tears flowed uncontrollably down her soft cheeks. Despite her sadness, deep down, she felt certain that they would end up together.

A year passed, and her own graduation was fast approaching. She and Louis had stayed in touch via phone calls, and she had only become closer to him and more attached. When it was time for her to finish school, Louis was able to offer her a job with his team at the telecom . She excitedly accepted and was taken to the city by her parents. It was a long ride and her parents gushed between pride and nervousness about Keela living in a city so far from home. However, seeing her excitement and joy, they knew it was the right thing.

Entering the office, they heard music playing and laughter. The energy in the air was palpable. Suddenly, Keela heard Louis’ voice on a microphone welcoming her to the company. After a wave of applause, he cleared his throat. He paused, and kindly asked the guests to settle down, before he began to speak slowly in a serious soft voice. ‘Keela, I’ve been your guide since we were children. Even though I was a year older and in charge of our group, you have taught me so much along the way. Above all, you have shown me love. Love that grew from a childhood crush. I absolutely adore you. I can’t imagine this life without you in it.”

He paused, clearing his throat. A few nervous giggles from coworkers could be heard in the room.

He continued to speak. “I want to ask you to be my wife and live with me here, as we both pursue our dreams.” The crowd broke out in shouts and cries. Her parents hugged one another, as she shouted out loud in his direction, ” Yes, Louis, yes!” By then he was by her side, and gently embraced her as her parents watched with tears in their eyes. The music got louder in the room and some guests began to dance, while others mingled. A few groups moved around the room with guides leading them, while others used canes or seeing eye dogs. Keela’s parents were introduced to Louis’ parents and they sat down together at a small table to share some cake and conversation. Her mother watched Keela across the room as she danced in Louis’ arms and she sighed with relief, knowing in her heart that her daughter would be loved, protected and above all, happy.