When You Can't See

By K.C. Niemi

Sometimes things are taken for granted and when they're taken from us we don't know how to move on. After a car crash that leaves her blind, Megan Green struggles to live life the way she wants to. As she tries to find a way to be an artist she finds comfort in friends, family, and a potential boyfriend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spero Publishing
• Release date: Jun 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781944956639

Book preview

When You Can’t See

By K. C. Niemi

When You Can’t See

By: K. C. Niemi

Eternal Press

A division of Caliburn Press, LLC.

P.O. Box 8747

Madison, WI 53714

www.eternalpress.biz

Digital ISBN: 978-1-944956-63-9

Print ISBN: 978-1-944956-62-2

Cover art by: Dawné Dominique

Copyright 2017 Kayla Niemi

Worldwide Electronic & Digital Rights

Worldwide English Language Print Rights

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form, including digital and electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the Publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This work is dedicated to my mother, Lori, and my little sister, Marissa. Thank you both for always being my pillars of support!

Prologue

I was careless when my accident happened.

I didn't listen to my parents, and I paid dearly for it.

The crash took away my independence, leaving me in a world of darkness. No more could I see what I drew, or watch movies and know what was happening. I couldn't look at my family and friends and see their faces. There's no one to blame but myself.

If I could turn back the clock, I would do it in a heartbeat, but I can't. Instead, the only option left for me is to keep moving forward.

My family and friends have promised to be by my side every step of the way. For this, I'm forever thankful.

I know it could be worse. I could be dead right now. So, I won't sit here and whine about my situation, no matter how hard it gets. I have my whole life ahead of me. I am still determined to make it in the art world.

I'm not going to just follow my dreams; I'm going to chase them.

Catch me if you can, Fate.

Chapter One

We are never really happy until we try to 
brighten the lives of others.
—Helen Keller

I stare at the paint-splattered construction paper beneath my feet in consideration. Should I try turning it into a welcome banner for the new freshmen? It seems like an awful waste to just throw it all away without using it for something. I shake my head to clear the thoughts and turn back to my art project on the cement wall. What was once a plain, tan wall is now a pack of wolves peeking out of the woods. They will greet everyone who drives past the school building.

I smile with pride at my creation, resting my hands on my hips.

Simply breathtaking, says a voice from behind me, a true work of art! Thank you so much for doing this, Megan. I really appreciate the help making the school more eye-catching. You spent an entire week working non-stop on this piece. Are you sure you don't want a paycheck?

Mrs. Watkins, the school principal, places a hand on my shoulder. I shake my head with a bright smile.

I’m just happy knowing I gave something back to the school that has given me so many good memories.

Her brown eyes narrow, as her tan face scrunches in confusion and disbelief. Really? Are you sure you won't reconsider this? I feel bad not giving you anything after you worked so hard.

Positive, I confirm, still smiling brightly. If it makes you feel any better, I do have a request…if it's not too much to ask.

Ask away.

I'd love to be able to come and use the pottery and art rooms sometimes after school hours…if that's okay with you.

It figures that that's all you would want, Mrs. Watkins says, smiling as she turns to walk away.

So, is that a yes?

She turns around again to face me, eyes shining. Of course it is, you little art fanatic.

I gasp dramatically, hands clutching my chest. That's a horrible way to talk to one of your students!

That might be true…if you were still a student, that is. She walks off, her red stilettos sticking in the grass.

Touché. I’ll see you around, Mrs. Watkins, I call after her once she's off the lawn and headed towards the front doors.

She waves before heading inside. I kneel down to pick up the paint-splattered construction paper. I think I'll drop this off at the day care center for them to use.

Rolling it up and placing it under my arm, I use my free hand to fish my car keys out of my purse. Walking leisurely, I hum happily under my breath to ease the boredom of having to walk to the parking lot on the other side of the school.

It’s a long walk to my silver Honda Accord. I open the trunk and place the construction paper inside. Sliding into my seat, I fasten in my seatbelt, put the car in reverse, and pull out of the driveway.

I drive down Vincent Street and turn left on West 3rd as a shortcut to Donna's Day Care. Parking in front of the door, I open the trunk and take out the leftover paper.

No little rugrats are by the door as I look through the glass door. I make eye contact with the worker behind the counter who signals for me to come inside.

Are you here to pick up a younger sibling? she asks with a friendly smile.

No, I actually just have something to drop off for Donna. Is she here?

I'm sorry, Donna had to leave for a family emergency. Can I take a message for her?

That won't be necessary. Can I just leave these here with you? I gesture to the rolled up paper in my arms. I figured the kids would enjoy using it for finger painting or some other art project.

That's so thoughtful of you! Thank you, I'll go put this in the supplies closet right now. Would you mind watching the counter while I put this up?

I don't mind, I reply with a smile.

Great! I'll be back soon.

With that, she disappears around the corner. I lean against the counter patiently as I wait for the worker to make her return. Luckily I don't have to wait more than a couple minutes before she comes hurrying back to the front of the building.

Thanks again for waiting. Do you mind if I take your name? I’m sure Donna will ask who brought in the paper.

Just tell her that ‘Megan says hi’. I’m friends with her daughter, so she’ll know who it is.

I give a little wave as I head toward my still-running car. I've really got to remember to not leave my vehicle running while I run into places. I always go in somewhere thinking that I’ll only be a minute or two, and end up in there a lot longer than planned.

Once I'm back in the car, I drive onto the road with one hand while struggling to fasten my seatbelt. I turn right on Baker Street and speed up to thirty-five, heading home.

* * * *

My body feels like it's on fire. At the same time, I can't feel anything at all. I hear hushed voices talking. I can't make out who they are or what they're saying, but I hear my name.

Why is it so dark?

Panic bubbles up when realize I can't see. Reaching up, my hands touch bandages wrapped around my head. The voices