“What is wrong with him?” Hok asked, her voice beginning to tremble.
“Remember when we discussed the possibility that Seh might suffer paralysis as a result of being poisoned?”
“Yes …”
“Well, it seems my concerns were justified.”
“But you said weeks ago that he wasn't paralyzed,” Hok said. “I've seen him move just about every part of his body myself.”
“Remember I said that there was the possibility of damage to the pathways that carry signals to certain parts of the body?” PawPaw asked. “In Seh's case, it seems the channel that feeds his eyes was permanently damaged by the poison.”
Hok stared at her, confused.
“Hok,” PawPaw said, “Seh is blind.”
Later that evening, Hok stood over Seh's bed, staring at his closed eyes. He was lying perfectly still and by all accounts appeared to be asleep. Hok, however, knew better. Seh was an excellent actor. She wanted to believe that Seh's acting skills were the reason she hadn't noticed his blindness, but deep down she knew that she simply hadn't paid enough attention to him. That was about to change.
“Hello, Seh,” Hok said. “I'm back.”
“I know,” Seh replied, his eyes still closed. “I sensed you walk into the room. I also sensed you standing in the doorway forever. Don't do that again. It makes me uncomfortable, being stared at when I can't stare back.”
Hok lowered her head. “I'm sorry. It sounds like you now know that I am aware of your … condition?”
“Yes,” Seh grumbled. “I overheard you talking with PawPaw. My hearing is improving, you know. So is my sense of smell. Pretty soon, I'll be just like Fu, of all people. Funny, isn't it?”
“I don't find it funny at all,” Hok said. “Your body is adjusting. It's helping you cope.”
“Well, I could do without that kind of help, or any other kind,” Seh said. “That is why you are here now, isn't it? To offer to help me?”
“Yes,” Hok said. “You know how I am. PawPaw wants to help you, too. We've been talking and—”
“I can do without your help,” Seh interrupted.
“But—”
“I said, I can do without your help” Seh repeated. “What don't you understand?”
“I don't understand a lot of things,” Hok replied. “Your situation is one of them, but I'm trying to learn.”
“Well, go find yourself another teacher. Leave me alone.”
Hok frowned. “Let me help you.”
“Go away.”
“No.”
“Why won't you just leave me be?” Seh asked. “I'm not hurting anyone.”
“You're hurting yourself,” Hok said. “PawPaw thinks that you are severely depressed, and I agree. Especially listening to you now. PawPaw and I may not be able to do anything about your eyesight, but we can help improve your mental state. You need to get out of bed, Seh. You need to move around a lot more than you have been. Exercise will make you feel better.”
“I can't walk without tripping over my own feet, Hok. I can't even stand without the world feeling like it's spinning. It's hopeless. Believe me, I've tried.” Hok thought she heard his voice crack.
“I could help you learn to walk without tripping,” Hok offered. “I know many different crane-style exercises to improve balance and dexterity, and most of them involve being blindfolded. The spinning sensation will go away with time. I felt dizzy for days when I started doing the exercises blindfolded, but I got used to it. Don't you remember seeing me doing them at Cangzhen?”
“Of course I remember,” Seh replied. “I also remember you breaking a lot of things while you practiced.”
“That happens,” Hok said. “I've already talked to PawPaw about it. She doesn't mind.”
“You're not going to leave me alone, are you?” Seh asked.
“No,” Hok said. “In fact, beginning tomorrow I'll be near you more than ever. Cheen and Sum are leaving, and I'm going to move into this bedroom with you.”
“Leaving?” Seh asked. “Where are they going?”
“Back to Kaifeng. You'll get a chance to say goodbye to them in the morning. That is, if you get out of bed.” Seh pouted. “You're not going to give up, are you?” “Never,” Hok said. “So you may as well try some of the exercises.” Seh didn't reply.
“If you don't try,” Hok joked, “I'll sit on my new bed here and stare at you all day and all night without blinking. You know I can do it. If you think me staring at you from the doorway was bad—”