Be Yourself

Written in response to https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2023/07/13/reenas-xploration-challenge-288/

‘What is your greatest accomplishment?’ Mike asked.

I wasn’t sure what to say, only that the last few months have been strange. Since getting my guide dog, Merlin, my sense of self has changed. He has given me my life back, even though I can’t see his golden eyes. I can stroke his fur, imagine his German Shephard glossy black coat. When we walk in the street, his harness in my hands, I am safe.

Mike, I’m not sure what I feel about him. Would Graham have liked him? Yes, I think he would. We are close, like friends, yet he wants something more. I’m not sure if I want to take the leap of love.

Guilt doesn’t follow me around anymore; I am able to think of Joe with a smile; even my teenage sense of self approves. I still wonder what he would have grown up like. Would we have been close? Would he have a partner? Children?

‘You okay Sarah?’ Mike asks, tapping me on the shoulder.

‘Yea, my greatest accomplishment is not giving up. It wasn’t something I could even think about three months ago. Now, I have Merlin, my job.’

‘Is being a food critic a little in the slow lane for you?’

‘Not really, it isn’t a bad job, and I enjoy the restaurants I go to. It helps I work with a great team.’