Auggie and the way into the dark 5

Auggie had made progress when it came to his computer skills. He had spent a lot of time in the computer room checking out new programs and he had gotten better and better. In the meantime he could efficiently read with his fingertips when sliding across the Braille keyboard and he had fun surfing the internet for all kind of information. He would soon leave the centre and was just looking for an own flat. With the help of the instructors of the centre he would make it blind proof so to speak. There were a couple of items he had to purchase before moving in.

Auggie folded his cane and put it on the nightstand. He had just returned from a visit to the gym. He had resumed his fitness training and his work outs. The gym was not far from the centre and easy to find for him. Auggie had just showered and was getting dressed again when his cell phone rang "Erin calling, Erin calling" the phone announced and Auggie grabbed it and took the call."Hey Auggie, what have you been up to today?" Erin´s voice sounded through the phone. "I just got back from the gym" Auggie replied. "Wanna pay me a visit?" "How did you guess?" Erin was surprised. "Yes, I wanted to ask if you´re up for a beer tonight?" "Yeah" Auggie was excited. He could almost not remember the last time he went to a pub."I am gonna pick you up at 8:30 tonight. Is that okay?" "Done" Auggie answered and ended the call.

Erin arrived in her car. Auggie had been waiting for her at the entrance and when he heard her honking horn, he made his way to the car. He found the door handle, folded his cane and got into the car. Erin looked at Auggie. He had changed. Although he was still the same guy with brown hair, hazelnut-brown eyes and broad shoulders, he looked different. He seemed more relaxed, more self confident and more contented. When she had seen him walking towards her car, she would not have guessed that he was blind if he had not had that white cane in his hands. He seemed to have adapted to his disability within the last months. He looked happier than before. "So, how is it going Auggie?" Erin started the conversation. "Well. I have made a lot of progress within the last 2 months and I am currently about to set up my own apartment" I will leave the centre in two weeks. By then everything should be ready. Five minutes after, they arrived at the pub. Auggie unfolded his cane, took Erin´s elbow and they entered the pub. After the first beer and some snacks in between Erin said "Auggie I have to tell you something. My company is setting up a new branch in Mexico. As you know I am quite fluent in Spanish and so they have asked me to work for the Mexican subsidiary. I will be moving to Acapulco in 6 weeks" Auggie tilted his head into her direction and asked "Have you thought that through?" Erin smiled "Yes I did and there are a couple of perks, too. I will have an apartment that is paid by the company and a company car." "So this is good bye?" Auggie asked. "Yeah, I think so. I will find time to visit you again with all the preparations to be made, I am sorry."

"It is okay" Auggie said. He would be busy, too. He had to find a new job and that would be the top priority in the coming weeks. And then he added "Although I would have loved it, to spend more time with you." Erin´s eyes were getting wet and she attempted a smile when she said "I would have loved to be with you, too but this is a perfect opportunity for me to climb the career ladder." " I got that" Auggie answered and then he said "My treat today, you are invited".

Two weeks after

Auggie opened the door and entered the room. With his cane he made a few steps forward whilst trailing behind his suitcase on wheels with the other hand. This was his new apartment The time at the rehab centre was now over and a new life began, a life as a blind man. He thought by himself. During the time at the centre, he had been protected and there had always been someone to help with daily tasks. This however, was "the real life" he had to prove to himself and to others that he could make it as a blind man. He had been here a couple of times when he had furnished the apartment but he was still on new ground He would need some time to become acquainted with everything. Tomorrow Emily would come over and would show him the surroundings.

Auggie touched the button of his talking alarm clock "It is 7:30 a.m" a voice announced and he got up and made his way to the bathroom. He counted his steps and went to take a shower. In about an hour Emily would be here and he wanted to have breakfast before. This was the first time in months that he had to prepare breakfast and the first time that he had to do it blind. He walked over to the kitchen sink, opened the faucet and filled some water into a cup. He filled the cup content into the glass pot of the coffee maker, added a spoonful of coffee and pressed the start button. There was nothing in the fridge, at least not yet but he had some cookies and a banana. That should be enough until he had done some shopping.

Auggie had just finished his coffee when he heard a knock on the door. He cautiously made his way to the door and almost stumbled over the armchair next to his couch. "Good Morning Auggie" Emily greeted him with a smile. "Hey Emily, nice to see you again" he smirked. "How was your first night in your own flat?" Emily asked "Well, I slept like a baby. I was so tired" Auggie admitted. "I think the first thing we should do is find the supermarket. I am hungry and the fridge is still empty." "All right, let´s go." Auggie took his folded cane from the kitchen table unfurled it and they left. He did not take Emily´s arm. Instead he walked next to her listening to her instructions when she described to him the shops and facilities in the neighbourhood. After five minutes they reached a supermarket. Now Auggie preferred to take Emily´s arm to have her guide him. He had counted the steps and memorized the way. Now Emily took a shopping cart and Auggie told her what he needed to buy. Cheese, ham, butter, noodles, milk, strawberry jam, tomato sauce, frozen pizza, fruit, toast and some milk went into the shopping cart. On their way back, Emily described him the way to the bakery, to the pharmacy, the hair dresser and the book store. Auggie had started to appreciate audio books and those were also available in a regular book store.

After an hour they returned to Auggie´s apartment and he started to unpack his groceries. Emily watched him and said. "I am proud of you, you have really learned a lot. I watched you move around your kitchen and I have to admit that only little things give away that you cannot see. I am sure you will get around on your own from now on." Auggie smiled into her direction and said "thanks for the flowers" "You´r e welcome Auggie and by the way You looked also very self confident when walking next to me with your cane. Compared to your first field trips with me this is a huge difference." Shortly after Emily left and said to him "I wish you all the best for your new life and please remember, should you need some advice, you got my cell phone number. Just give me a call and I will see what I can do for you" "Thank you so much" Auggie walked towards Emily, found her shoulder and hugged her. During the 4 months at the centre they had also become friends and therefore Auggie admitted now " I am so grateful for all your support. I don´t know what I had done without you.

You have taught me so much and I guess I am now prepared for a new life without seeing." Emily returned the hug and then she left. She was glad, that Auggie could not see the tears in her eyes because she had come to like him a lot.