Chapter 3: A Surgical Vow
She's nervous. What's worse is that she's afraid to admit it. Mag's hands shake. The grip on her cane tightens. Her jaw continuously locks. Every move causes her body to shake in anxiety. It's the dance of someone who is impatient. It's unlike her, but she can't help it. She feels Marni's slim hands rest upon her shoulders. Her body tenses, yet she relaxes knowing that her dearest friend is near.
"It's okay, Mag," Marni's voice is delicate and soft.
"I know, but..." She hesitates. Mag doesn't wish to admit her futile defeat.
"You're going to be all right. Think about it, after all these years... You'll be able to see! Won't that be wonderful?" Marni flashes a charming smile. Although Mag cannot see that smile, she can feel it. To her, it's a ray of light beaming down on her. It puts her at ease.
"Yes," Mag admits. She doesn't want to point out the negative side of receiving the gift of sight. She'll be less attentive to her other senses. She'll see the world for what it truly is. She'll see both beauty and horror. She knows she'll be powerless towards the world's horrors. Worst of all, she knows something is going to happen to Marni. Call it intuition, but she senses it. She has unintentionally zoned out from Marni's little speech.
"...but best of all, you'll see for yourself. You will see everything and not just hear world is truly beautiful. "
"So are you."
Marni laughs sweetly. Mag smiles wryly.
"Oh Mag, you flatter me. I'm really not that beautiful."
Mag sighs softly. Marni is beautiful even if she denies it. Mag's not ready to start a fight over this again. Together they walk down the bland hallway. Their footsteps gently crunch on the glistening tile. A GenTern swaggers over to them, sashaying her hips in a seductive manner. A wheelchair is in her grasp. Who on Earth hires these women?
"Are you ready Miss. DeFoe?" The voice is soft with a certain falseness to it... The GenTern neither sounds nor looks real. There's something electronic about the tone. Mag notes this immediately. The nurse is but a doll to GeneCo. They're disposable.
Marni helps Mag into the chair for prep. She doesn't want this, but she doesn't have the heart to tell Marni that she would rather be blind. Her pale fingers tremble as she holds the cane. It slips out of her grip. The action causes her to purse her lips, though she forces herself to nod.
"You won't be needing this anymore, Mag." Her voice is seductive. It always is.
"But-"
"Shh," Marni leans forward, her warm breath lingers. "This surgical vow is for your own good. You'll have a much more successful life. Opportunities will knock at your door. A whole new world awaits you."
When Marni is like this, Mag can't protest. Naturally, Marni brims with confidence and passion. She refuses to see Mag's grim negativity. Positivity and negativity are a constant battle in their lives. Times like this, make them polar opposites.
Marni delicately plucks off Mag's dark shades, tucking them away in the pocket of her jacket. She smooths out her own white dress made of silk before flashing another smile. She nods to the bored GenTern.
"Ready?" Marni asks.
"Unfortunately."
She sighs, rolling her eyes.
"Marni?" Her tone is smooth, though she's scared. Her stomach performs flips and turns.
"Yes, Mag?"
"Hold my hand, please. I feel like this will be the last time we'll be close. After this, nothing will be the same."
"Don't be silly."
"Then, promise me, Marni. Promise you'll be there when I wake up."
"I promise." A serene smile dances across Marni's face. They hold hands as the GenTern wheels Mag down the holl, locks of hair bounce wildly. She rolls her eyes at the scene before her. The two friends merely smile.
I must be brave... for this surgical vow. Yet, the worst is to come. Mag winces at the thought, closing her blind eyes for one final time.