S H I L O H
The steady beep allowed me to steer Melody to the right toward the noise. Her walk slowed as we drew closer to the source.
“You found it.” A grin spread across my face as Melody came to a stop.
“Sure did.” Mira’s happy voice carried to me. “It was right where you said it would be.”
The constant sound was courtesy of a small device that would help me, and soon, my students, orient ourselves to the paddock gate’s location. This specific tool provided either steady beeps or intermittent ones, allowing it to be used in various settings and situations. It was one more fabulous way for someone who was visually impaired to exert independence.
My heart filled with delight. I was on fire with anticipation of what the future held for me. Being here with Mira, and doing what I knew would be rewarding, was more than I could’ve hoped for.
“I’ll get these installed after supper.” The deep voice was closer than I anticipated, causing me to jump.
“Now, Silas, don’t you know it’s rude to sneak up on a lady?” I smiled in his direction before swinging my leg over the back of the saddle, sliding down until my right foot reached the ground, and then pulling the other one free of the stirrup.
“Sorry, Shiloh. I assumed you heard me. Mirabelle says I move around like a bull.”
His chuckle vibrated next to me and brought another grin to my face. Silas had been Mira’s one and only for as long as I’d known her, and them being together had been a long time coming. From what I knew of him so far, I couldn’t be more thrilled they’d gotten their heads on straight.
“Silas will get Melody settled while we get ready for dinner. Caroline’s preparing a feast.”
The groan of the gate helped me orient myself.
“I’ve got your girl’s reins when you’re ready,” Silas confirmed.
Trailing my hands over the saddle, I located the small pocket. My telescoping cane was never far from me when I was riding. I never knew when I’d need to dismount. Melody stomped a hoof as I stroked over her neck and stepped back two steps so I was out of the way.
“Thank you, Silas,” I said as I extended my cane, gripping it in my right hand. Following the sound of hooves hitting the ground, I moved toward the gate, cane swinging left to right as I concentrated on moving over the hard dirt.
New environments were challenging for a blind person, but Mira had been around long enough to know what I needed without making me feel like I was unable to be independent. Without wondering if she was there, I found her right where I expected. After grabbing her upper arm, I followed her lead to the main house.
The Colorado air was different from the Mid-Atlantic. Cleaner. Crisper. New. It could’ve been my imagination, but as I filled my lungs, it felt glorious. Maybe it was the lack of humidity or the altitude. Or maybe it was because everything about this new adventure felt like I was right where I was supposed to be.
“Tomorrow we can get you familiar with the barn. Three steps.” The way Mira tossed essential information sighted people took for granted, smack dab in the middle of regular conversation, was incredible.
“That sounds great. Will the guys have an issue with the modifications I want to make?” One. Two. Three. My cane swept over the wood porch. The sound went from a dull thud on the dirt to a hollow tap. The texture translated to my hand. Every surface had a distinct feel and sound.
“Not a chance. They’re all great. I’m sure everyone will be happy to help.” Mira sidestepped as my cane struck something solid. The door hinges creaked, and a cool gust of air rushed out, sending a chill over my sweaty skin. Mira tucked the arm I held behind her back, moving me so she could guide me into the house.
An onslaught of new sounds and smells engulfed me. The scent of wood and food mixed together, overwhelmed my senses with feelings of comfort. The soft whir of the air conditioner would lull me to sleep if I allowed myself to lay down for a rest.
“The stairs are straight ahead. Kitchen and dining room are to the right and the great room is at our left.” Mira gave me the details I needed to navigate the house on my own. I planned to explore more later, but right now, I was pressed for time. The ride had relaxed me after the long drive, but unless I was eating dinner in my sweaty riding clothes, I’d best be getting upstairs.
“My room is the third door on the left, correct?” I confirmed.
“You got it. Do you need anything from me?” Mira was such a good friend. She gave the minimum, knowing I would ask for help if I needed it.
“I’m good. See you in awhile.” The tapping of my cane stopped as I came to the first stair. Once I located the rail, I navigated them easily, counting the steps as I ascended. Making a mental note of twenty-three, I maneuvered the hallway, using my left hand so I could count the door frames. As my hand encountered the knob of the third door, I grinned as my fingers fluttered over a satin ribbon like the one on our dorm door and later, on our apartment door. Mira’s thoughtfulness for the smallest details warmed my heart. With a deep breath, I entered my new room.
The sweet fragrance of honeysuckle washed over me, the smell so fresh, I navigated around the room to find the source. My hands located a small, long table under the window with a rectangle vase in the center. Carefully moving my fingers over the glass, I came into contact with fresh stems. I cupped the blossoms and leaned in, inhaling deeply.
The powerful sense of smell brought forth an onslaught of emotions. Cologne stirred up times with a lost love. Sweet pipe tobacco conjured memories of a grandfather. Fresh hay and lemon oil evoked excitement and anticipation for a ride.
And fresh honeysuckle would now forever remind me of the first time I felt like I’d found a home where I would grow and live my own life. The idea was both exciting and terrifying.
I didn’t realize I was crying until a tear ran down my cheek. The tears were not those of sadness, but of hope. In some form, I’d always lived under the thumb of my parents, whether directly or through their servants. Even when Mira and I lived in our own place, my parents had found a way to maintain control of me. It hadn’t been out of love, though. They hadn’t spent enough time with me to know what I was capable of. From the day I’d been told I would lose my sight, they treated me as an inconvenience. Sure, they’d hired the best teachers and therapists money could buy, but little by little, they checked out emotionally. I became a project they worked on, one that gained them pity and attention within their social circle.
Nothing had ever been about me and my feelings.
But it was now. My decision to move to Colorado had been my own. I was capable of more than they had ever imagined. I was a strong, determined woman, and as far as I was concerned, anyone who tried to stand in my way was going to get their ass run over.