Prologue:


    The lights in the doctor''s office illuminated his face as he sat in one chair in the waiting room. Anxious to be called in, since every second that passed, he would be one step closer to becoming permanently deaf.


    It had all started a few weeks ago when he found out he had otitis media. For a normal person, that would be devastating enough, but for him who had been born blind, it was worse than devastating. It seemed that God was punishing him again for some reason, although he didn''t know why he hadn’t done anything bad enough to deserve something like this.


    Not was he a saint, but... from there to deserving to be one of the few people with deaf-blind in the world, that, that was something completely different.


    —Excuse me, Mr. Andrews? John Andrews? — said a female voice to which he nodded while he felt someone touching him, he had become very distracted and his increasing deafness did not help at all. — Dr. Lawrence will see you shortly.


    John got up carefully, helped by what appeared to be the secretary, and with his cane in his hand, he went to where he sensed the door was.


    —Excuse me, Mr. Andrews, would you like me to help you?


    He shook his head, already feeling useless enough as it was he didn''t need to be helped to walk as if he was disabled on top of everything else.


    A few seconds later, he went into what he thought was the consulting room. His guess was right, as he could hear someone clearing their throat.


    —Mr. Andrews, I''m very pleased that you''re joining us. If you like, you can take a seat or you can also stand, as you prefer.


    —I''m fine like this, doctor.


    —Very well — John felt the doctor settle himself in his chair. —So, I hear you''ve accepted the terms of the contract.


    John nodded.


    —You know what you signed, don''t you? — he asked, —Would you like us to go over the terms and conditions before we begin the operation?’ the doctor asked.


    —There''s no need, I already signed the contract. Besides, I don''t care about the price, I just want to see and hear like the rest of the world, that''s all that matters to me.


    —Of course, Mr. Andrews. In that case, I''m going to ask you to undress and lie down on the stretcher, if you would be so kind.


    John obeyed and quickly undressed. Once he had taken off his last garment, the doctor helped him onto the table. Once he was up, he heard the doctor grab something and put it to his face.


    —Now I''m going to ask you to take a deep breath, Mr. Andrews.


    John obeyed without question. Little by little, he noticed how he was closing his eyes until he fell asleep.


    (1 week earlier...)


    —John, are you sure about this? — asked a female voice that he had recognized for many years as that of his sister, Lincy. She had taken care of him since his parents passed away, so from a very young age, she started working to support them both.


    Although he never said so, he always felt guilty about this. His sister was a young girl with her whole life ahead of her and yet, from the age of 16, she had been looking after him, wasting her youth. He hated himself and his disability because of this.


    —Yes, I''m sure — he replied, without a shred of doubt in his tone.


    That day, John had met someone on one of his daily walks with his dog Spike. The man didn''t say his name, but he offered John something that caught his attention.


    —Why are you so sure? You don''t know the guy, what if he kidnaps you or removes your organs?


    —At least that way you wouldn''t have to worry about me!! — John shouted, whereupon his sister looked at him in surprise and something of shock.


    —What do you mean, John? — she asked, her voice sounding confused.


    —Listen, Lincy. It''s not fair that you have to sacrifice your life for me. Since our parents left, you''ve done everything you can to take care of me, but... — He paused, his voice firm. —I feel like I''m ruining your best years.


    Lincy frowned.


    —I''m not wasting anything. I''m here because I want to be.


    —But it should be different. You should be enjoying life, not carrying my weight — said John, his hands clasped on his knees.


    She let out a sigh, as if the air weighed as much as her brother''s words.


    —You can''t think like that. It''s not a sacrifice if I do it because I love you.


    John leaned forward, the intensity in his voice marking each word.


    —I don''t want you to love me like this. I want to be able to take care of you, not the other way around. I shouldn''t be your responsibility... And that''s why I need this operation. If I can hear and see, I won''t be a burden to you or anyone else.


    Lincy narrowed her eyes, biting her lower lip.


    —What if something goes wrong?” she asked cautiously. ”I can''t lose you, John.


    He was silent for a moment, his mind torn between the need for freedom and the fear of failure.


    —If I stay like this... how long do you think you can bear it? It''s only a matter of time before you burn out — his voice became almost a whisper. — I don''t want to see you leave your dreams behind because of me.


    Lincy''s hands trembled slightly as he played with the edges of his T-shirt.


    —But that doesn''t mean you''re ready for this. There are risks...


    John interrupted firmly:


    —Everything in life has risks. This is mine to face and I must try — the words poured out of him like an overflowing river.


    His sister watched him, struggling with her emotions; love and worry crashed inside her like waves in a storm. The idea of losing John was heartbreaking, but seeing how he suffered for her also broke her.


    —Sorry John but the answer is no.


    —No? I''m sorry? Would you rather I went blind for life and now deaf too?


    —I''d rather do that than lose you, you idiot! — she shouted as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Seeing this, he greatly regretted having said it, he had made her suffer again. So he moved closer to embrace her, following the sound of her crying.


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    —I''m sorry, Lincy. I''m really sorry.


    She did not reply, she was too immersed in her tears, but John felt her hands slide down his back, she was hugging him.


    —Promise me John, promise me you won''t.


    —But...


    —PROMISE ME — Lincy shouted, startling him. —...please.


    John hesitated for a few seconds but finally nodded.


    ---


    The days passed with a familiar routine, and although John moved through his small world as always, something was beginning to gnaw at him. The daily walks with Spike continued, the dog sniffing the air while he guided him with his cane, but an invisible weight followed him.


    Every morning, he would sit in the kitchen and listen to Lincy prepare breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee reminded him of mornings from his childhood, moments that seemed unattainable. But instead of comforting him, those memories only fueled his frustration.


    One afternoon, while walking in the park with Spike, he heard a group of children playing ball. Laughter and shouts filled the air, smiles probably lit up their faces. A pang of longing shot through him; he wished he could be part of that bustle, to hear their laughter without effort.


    The dog stopped to sniff a nearby tree. John felt a mixture of helplessness and despair as he waited patiently for Spike to decide to continue. His mind wandered to Dr. Lawrence and the broken promises.


    When he returned home, Lincy greeted him with a tired smile after her working day.


    —We sold a lot of fresh products today — she announced as she put the bags on the table.


    — I''m glad — he replied without enthusiasm. The empty look she gave the bag made him think that this joy would never be enough to fill him.


    —Would you like to help me with dinner? — she suggested.


    John felt something inside him creak as he remembered the nights they cooked together. But this time was different; he didn''t want to be just another spectator.


    —I don''t think today is a good day for that — he replied, shrugging his shoulders as if they were heavy burdens.


    Lincy frowned, a spark of concern lighting up her eyes.


    —Why?


    John was silent for a moment. The pressure on his chest increased.


    —Because... because I feel that all this is pointless — the words came out harsher than he intended. — I''m trapped here, Lincy, and I can''t bear it any more.


    She took a step towards him, seeking to understand the tone behind his voice.


    —It''s not pointless if we''re together,’ she said softly. ”We do it for each other...


    But those words barely resonated with him. John pursed his lips; the anguish was palpable in his expression as he contemplated the outside world from the window.


    Inside he knew that opportunities were slipping through his fingers like fine sand. The future was out there, full of sounds and vibrant colors, but it remained inaccessible, mocking his helplessness.


    Night had taken over the city, and shadows danced around him. John sat in the kitchen, the dim lights illuminating his face as he played with the edge of the card he had received days before. The contact that had offered him a possible solution to his problems now shone with renewed meaning. The possibility of being able to see and continue to hear the world seemed a distant promise, but he couldn''t let it slip away.


    With trembling hands, he ran his fingers over the Braille letters. A familiar pattern that had always brought him comfort; however, this time was different. This time it filled him with a mixture of nervousness and hope.


    —Come on, John,— he said to himself, getting up from the chair decisively. He walked towards the living room where the landline phone rested on the table, his walking stick tapping a steady rhythm against the floor.


    He took a deep breath before dialing the number on the card. Each digit seemed to vibrate in his mind as the numbers transformed into vital connections for his future.


    An intermittent tone sounded in the receiver before a deep, calm voice broke the silence.


    —Hello? — asked the man on the other end of the line.


    John felt a chill run down his spine.


    —Hello, this is John Andrews. We met a few days ago...


    The man''s voice lit up with recognition.


    —Ah! John. Good to hear from you. Have you given any thought to our conversation?


    John bit his lower lip, gathering his courage before continuing.


    —Yes, I''ve been considering... what you said about the treatment. I''d like to know more about it.


    The man paused, as if evaluating the words about to come out.


    “Perfect. There are many options available depending on your specific needs. Would you like to meet to discuss it?”


    A rush of adrenaline coursed through John; this was what he had been waiting for.


    —Yes, of course — he replied quickly. — When?


    The man''s voice sounded confident and direct.


    —Tomorrow morning would be good. We can meet at the café near the park; it''s discreet and quiet.


    John nodded even though he knew he couldn''t see him, however, that small confirmation reassured him.


    —All right, I''ll be there — he replied, feeling a spark of excitement begin to ignite inside him. The idea of taking control of his life again gave him unexpected strength.


    They agreed on the last details before saying goodbye and hanging up.


    The sun was just peeking over the horizon, tinting the sky with shades of gold and orange. John left the house with a slight tremor in his hands. The fresh morning air gave him life, although uncertainty tightened his chest. Spike, his faithful dog, walked alongside him, sniffing every corner around him as he always did.


    As they walked along the familiar sidewalk, the morning sounds drifted around them: the distant birdsong, the murmur of traffic in the distance and the soft whisper of the wind. John let himself be carried away by these sounds, allowing Spike to guide him. However, the words of Rick, the contact he had met days ago resonated in his mind. The idea of meeting up with him filled him with hope, but also with anxiety, the anxiety of disobeying his sister, guilt consumed him from within, but he consoled himself by thinking that if this worked, he would no longer be a burden to her.


    The path to the coffee was well marked in his memory; he had walked it countless times with Lincy by his side. But this time, everything was different. It was a step into the unknown, and that excited him.


    —Come on, Spike. — He said with determination.


    The Labrador barked softly in response and picked up his pace as he felt the palpable energy emanating from his owner. The park square was fast approaching; he could feel it through the echo of the familiar noise emanating from the place.


    When they reached the coffee, John stopped just outside. With a slight turn of his head towards Spike, he felt a mixture of nervousness and resolution. He adjusted his jacket as he recalled the instructions he had received for this meeting.


    A few more steps and he walked through the door of the coffee, where the aroma of fresh coffee invaded his senses. The tables were arranged in an open configuration; he could hear murmurs and laughter echoing among the scattered conversations.


    His heart beat faster as he scanned the room, looking for the contact. Then he recognized a deep voice at the back of the room.


    —John, over here. — Rick called out in a friendly but firm tone.


    John moved forward, guided by that familiar sound cutting through the crowd until he reached the table where Rick was sitting. As he approached, he felt a wave of nervousness as Spike wagged his tail excitedly at the new acquaintance.


    —I''m glad you could come — Rick said as he extended a hand in greeting.


    John felt that firm hand intertwine with his as he smiled slightly, hiding his inner doubts under a layer of confidence.


    —So — Rick said as John heard him sit down. —Where do you want to start?


    ---


    John stirred awake, his senses awakening one by one like the gentle unfurling of a flower. Light flooded his vision, bright and warm. For the first time in years, he could see—really see. He blinked, struggling to comprehend the surrounding brilliance.


    Colors danced before his eyes, vivid hues splashing across his vision like paint on a canvas. The sterile white walls of the hospital room glowed under the fluorescent lights. A faint rustle pulled him from the overwhelming flood of sensation.


    He turned his head, and there it was—the sound of soft footsteps padding across the floor. A nurse moved gracefully between machines, her uniform crisp against the backdrop of muted colors. John gasped, but then he noticed something strange; shimmering waves rippled through the air around her like heat rising from pavement on a summer day.


    His breath caught in his throat as he tried to focus on those waves, confusion tugging at him.


    The clink of metal drew his attention further as he struggled against the restraints binding him to the bed. Panic surged through him when he realized he was chained down, immobile. His heart raced, beating hard against his chest as he attempted to sit up, but found himself restrained.


    —Easy there. — A familiar voice said softly.


    Dr. Lawrence stepped into view, a reassuring smile on his face that only added to John’s bewilderment.


    —Congratulations, John. —He continued as he approached the bedside with an air of triumph in his posture. “You’ve just woken up from surgery.”


    Surgery? The word echoed in John''s mind as he fought to reconcile this new reality with the memory of uncertainty that had filled his days before this moment.


    —Can you see me? — Dr. Lawrence asked with a hint of excitement in his tone.


    —I can see. — John breathed out in disbelief, scanning over everything, the doctor’s coat, the equipment surrounding him, even the reflection of himself in the window across the room.


    — Not just that — Dr. Lawrence said with an eager glint in his eyes. —You can also perceive electromagnetic waves.


    John frowned slightly, shifting uneasily under the chains binding him down.


    —What do you mean? — He searched for clarity amid this rush of new sensations.


    —The shimmering you’re seeing is part of what we call electromagnetic radiation,” Dr. Lawrence explained, gesturing toward one of those undulating waves now pulsating gently nearby—a visual representation just beyond human perception until now.


    The implications washed over John like a tide crashing against rocky shores; awe mixed with confusion clouded his thoughts while questions tumbled inside him.


    —What do you mean? — John asked, to which the doctor just smiled in a creepy way.