Heart of Dorkness

Terror Thirty-Five - Sight

Terror Thirty-Five - Sight

Felix cant remember ever being in a place that feels like this. The temple is big, she knows that much. Sound echoed in a strange way when they walked in a few minutes ago, and, even in this room, theres obviously a lot of space. The problem is that everything she feels is fuzzy.

Usually that only happens when shes sad, but shes not sad, even if the temple feels like a sad place.

She usually avoids places that have a sad feel to them, though its hard to figure out why some locations are like that. There are a lot of angry spots too, and places where the air is filled with a weird feeling, as if something is about to jump out and mug her at a moments notice.

Felix has always tried to stay near happy places; they make things so much easier.

So, under normal circumstances, she wouldnt be here.

But Valeria brought her here, and Valeria is nice. Shes given Felix more food in a few days than Felix ate in all of last month, and while Valeria can be a little silly and clumsy and terrifying, she never seems to do anything to hurt Felix, and that matters.

Of course, the biggest thing is the promise. New eyes. The ability to see again. Felix isnt sure if she wants to cry because shes so happy, or if its this temple making her feel that way.

The priest washes her eyes out, and Felix tenses and tries not to scream. It hurts, and having someone else's hands on her face isnt nice. But hes quick, if nothing else. The pain isnt all that bad. Like scabbing her knees while running away with some bread. She cant complain, especially when she can feel Miss Valeria fretting right next to her.

A man comes in, and Valeria gives him a few coins after looking at something. Shes shifting around as she does it. Worry, Felix thinks.

Miss Valeria worries about Felix in a way that no one else has ever done. It makes her want to smile most of the time, though right now she mostly thinks its silly.

Three people walk into the room. Felix can barely see, the air is so fuzzy and broken up around them. She can tell that two of them are girls, those on the sides, with walls over their faces. The third is a blur. None of her wind can reach her.

Shes never seen someone do that before. Its strange, and she instantly dislikes it.

The gasp from Valeria doesnt help, nor does the sound the woman makes. A deep, wretched sob. Felix has heard moms who had to put their babies in the body carts when a sickness sweeps through the Roughs sound the same. Its not a nice sound. Oh, oh no, the woman says.

Then there are hands around Felixs face and all of the feelings that her happy brings are gone. All she can feel is the hands, and the clothes hanging off of her shoulders.

Dont move, and dont worry, one of the veiled women says, talking to Valeria, Felix thinks. Let the priestess do her work.

Shes about to say something, though she doesnt know what it is. Maybe shell tell Valeria that its okay.

What comes out of her mouth is a scream.

Theres pain.

Felix has been bitten before, by cats and racoons and even by a mean little dog once. Theres a weird sting to a bite, especially as it breaks skin. This is that, but a thousand times worse.

Its as if a million cats have gripped her head and theyre all taking turns biting her around the eyes and in the face. She squirms, but the hands are like iron.

Her leg swings in a kick, but someone catches it, and then her arms are pinned to her sides. Theres someone talking, but Felix cant make anything out through the rush of blood in her ears and the waves of pain.

It hurts and hurts.

She feels something squiggling around in her face, and it reminds her of that one time she caught a rat bare handed.

And then, just like that, its over. The pain is gone.

The woman thats been holding her face for so long folds down onto Felix and hugs her close. Shes crying, wet tears rubbing against Felixs hair and dripping onto the back of her shirt. Im sorry. Im so sorry, the woman says.

Did it work? Felix asks.

She reaches up and touches her face. Theres something there. Eyes.

And then another shock. A pain, but a strange one. Her eyelids are still closed, but she can... see. Its a red and black and blurry mess, but she can see it as well as she can remember being able to see.

The ladies fret around her a little more, those whose faces she still cant feel inspecting her, and then the priest is back. It seems to have worked, though the priestess is worn out. Dont you want to open your eyes? She assures me that they work, but theres no verifying like, well, seeing.

No, Felix says. Wheres Miss Valeria?

One moment, he says.

Felix shifts on the spot. There are wet tears on her face, so she wipes them off. Tears are ugly, she knows. What she doesnt know is why she feels like she has to look good for Valeria.

Oh, I see, Miss Valerias voice says. She coughs, clearing her throat, and Felix has the impression that she was crying too. Just... can we have some time?

Of course, the priest says. This should be a joyous occasion, which, by means of my calling, I feel like I should avoid. Take all the time you need. I wont be far.

Thank you, Miss Valeria says.

The door opens; it closes.

Felix tries on a smile, and it comes easy.

You have eyes, Valeria says. She comes closera small person, with a hood that does strange things to Felixs touch-sight. Shes all soft. A well-fed girl, like the nobles, but not fat. How are you feeling?

Im okay, Felix says.

Have you opened them?

I... Felix hesitates, then she tells the truth. Im a bit scared.

Valeria laughs, but its not a mean, mocking laugh. Her hand reaches out, and Felix takes hold of it, even though they bump fingertips and fumble before she can properly grab the hand. Soft. Always soft with Valeria. And clumsy too.

Okay, Felix says.

She opens her eyes.

Everything is a blurry mess.

Uh, Felix says. There are colours and shapes and... she blinks. And some pain. The light is very bright. She blinks a few more times, and things come into focus. The door, the shelves. Things she knew were there. The paint on the walls, the colours of the tiles, those are new.

Felix grins, and blinks again. Then she focuses on whats right in front of her.

It hurts to look. The light in the room is way too bright, and it feels like something is jabbing her in the eyes the entire time, but she has to see.

Oh, shoot, my hood! Valeria says. She lets go of Felix, who giggles as Valeria fumbles with her hood.

Then she sees her friend.

Valeria has a round face, with a slight chin and chubby cheeks. There are veins under her very pale skin, little bumps that look... blue? Her eyes are the most arresting feature. All black, with big red circles in their middle. Her glasses are big and round, and only make her eyes look even wider behind them.

Those eyes should look mean, but on Valeria theyre open and curious.

Felix laughs.

Valerias cheeks puff out, her lips--nearly as pale as the rest of her--purse, and her little nose scrunches up. A pout!

Felix laughs harder.

Im hardly funny to look at! Valeria says.

Felix cant help herself. She reaches over and hugs Valeria. Yes, you are! she says with a chuckle. Theres a wind in the little room. Her wind. She can see! Colours and shapes and textures. Her eyes feel strained and dry and scratchy, but she can see! Thank you! she shouts.

Valeria starts to laugh too. She hugs Felix right back. Its okay!

Youre the best. Youre the greatest, Miss Valeria!

Im hardly

You are! Felix insists. She plants a big sloppy kiss on Valerias cheeks, then stares, amazed, as they change colour. She didnt know cheeks could do that! Its wonderful!

You should be resting your eyes. Theyre new, but you shouldnt abuse them. Does your head hurt?

It does, Felix cheers. I dont care.

Dont be silly! I cant afford new eyes again if you break these ones.

Felix can barely suppress the next laugh. Its so hard her tummy hurts, and she feels all weak and wobbly. She has eyes! And its thanks to Valeria.

Dont squish me, Valeria complains as Felix hugs her even harder.

No, is Felixs reply. Shed do anything for Valeria, but letting her go isnt one of those things.

***