jikan_network | Audio; un: childofchaos

I think we're all blessed.

I like thinking about it that way. Do you...

Do you know what became of your mother?

That's not a conversation I'm ready to have.

[ He likes you, Xingchen, but that's not a slope he wants to go down. ]

I understand. [He figured something awful happened.] I'm coming to see you.

[ They had, essentially, lost both of their parents at the same time. ]

I'll be here by the time you get here.

Thank you. [He makes the journey to the place he recalls Feng residing. He has with him a stick, which he uses to knock on the door. He is ready to teach Xiaoyu how to cope with his blindness.]

[ He isn't entirely sure what he's being thanked for. Though, when Xingchen does show up, he has no problem getting to the door. His memory is an exceptional one and he tends to map things out in his mind. Having a mental map helps. ]

Xiao Xingchen.

[ He doubts it would be anyone else. He's not worried if it had been. ]

[He doesn't need to understand. Xingchen is grateful that Xiaoyu is willing to see him - well. Not see him, but allow him near. Once the door opens, he smiles sadly.]

Yes. You did well.

[He peers into Xiaoyu's eyes and nods to himself.]

This must be a curse. Your eyes are whole.

Didi didn't find anything, but I think there was something in the water.

[ It's what he'd been near, after all, before he'd ended up blinded. He does, however, move enough away from the door to let Xingchen in. ]

You can't help where or when it happened. These curses have no taste or odor.

[Xingchen enters and presses the stick into Xiaoyu's hand.]

This will aid you should you leave home. I will show you.

That doesn't mean we can't find out what cursed me.

[ He feels the stick in his hand and raises a brow. ]

Only thing I need to make sure of is not running into people. Most of the city is already mapped out, up here.

[ He taps the side of his head when he says it. ]

That's true.

[Certain priorities take precedence, however.]

I am impressed, but there could be surprises that might trip you. The stick allows you to sense them before they become a problem.

Seeing as we don't know how long this is going to last, it's possible.

[ He's curious, though. ]

How does it allow you to sense them?

Grip it like so. [He demonstrates, positioning Xiaoyu's hand on the stick.] Hold it out before you and swing it gently side to side just above the ground.

[ He grips the stick the way he's shown, swinging it slightly, being as gentle as he can be. ]

Is this something you dealt with?

I gave my eyes to Zichen. [Literally.] I did not have them when I arrived.

So, you had to learn how to maneuver around here, then.

For a time, yes. Zichen helped me; the modern conveniences and the city sounds were confusing.

For me? It's not knowing where people are. Didi had to change my course a few times while we were out.

The stick will help. [It's easier to tap someone than run into them full force.] Most people will make space for you when they see it.

How good were your other senses with it?

I adapted quickly. My hearing was sharper, I remember. Footsteps were especially noticeable to me.

It shouldn't take me long to figure it out.

No, it won't. [And that's a relief.] Be cautious of those large vehicles they call cars.

[ Perhaps it's the joy of those he grew up with, among other hardships in his life. ]

I don't plan to walk in the middle of the road.

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