The last straw

I fell over the silver strand of wire that was the fence. I lay still for a moment in surprise and shock. When I heard them laugh, I stood up and made out as if I had not felt my world move.  That was the first step of my blindness.  A sudden shifting of the things that had always been the same.  That which I once had, went.

I gradually adapted to my dark and noisy world.  The sudden slamming of the door, the shock of a shouted greeting.  I became quiet, listening for walls and furniture that lay in wait for me. I could smell and taste fear and joy. For me, fear had a cold  and sharp taste.  Joy was a fizz of perfume that lingered in unexpected memories.  I knew the sharp, bitter electricity of frustration as I fumbled to find my food.

There was a storm last night.  I lay listening, and  cried for what I had lost and that which had replaced it. Next morning the world was freshly cleaned. The rain lay in dirty puddles that I walked through. They wiped my feet before I was led to the car.

I had always enjoyed the car.  The smell of the lamb's wool seats and the soft hum of the engine.  I relaxed and slept a little.  When the engine stopped I noticed that no-one was talking.  Even the radio was still.  I turned my head in a voiceless question.

"I know he howled all last night. I know he makes a mess, but I just feel so bad about putting him down."

I was led into the vet.