Through New Sight (Eyeless Jack x Reader) [Sequel to Love Is Blind]

­­Through New Sight (Eyeless Jack x Reader)

You hummed through a gentle smile as you traversed the forest, heading towards an all-too-familiar park to restock on supplies.

You clutched at the straps of the backpack that rested on your shoulders as you walked over debris and branches like an eager toddler on a field trip. You liked going to the park! It was always nice to swing on the swing set whenever you had free time to yourself.

The loud crunching of the leaves beneath your boots gave you a sense of satisfaction and brought a smile to your face. The sound faded when you stepped foot on the dirt path guiding you to the children's park.

Once you reached the outer clearing of the park, the warm rays of the sun beamed on your skin as you were no longer under the protection of the forest's tall trees. The dirt beneath your feet eventually changed as you neared the center of the park, becoming a carpet of lush grass that welcomed your entry.

As you arrived at one of the park's drinking fountains, you slipped off your backpack and rummaged through until you found two empty plastic bottles from inside. You then plopped the bag down at the fountain's base and filled the bottles up with water. To pass the time, you continued to hum a melody to yourself.

Just as you finished filling up the last bottle, small rapid movements approaching from your peripherals caught your attention. Your head snapped up and you swiveled your neck to identify its source, making out the rough outline of a child.

When they entered your range of clear "vision," you realized that the child was a little girl with long wavy hair. Although you couldn't make out her facial features, you recognized the outline of the stuffed otter-shaped plush she was carrying in her hands. You'd met this girl about a week ago at this very park. Though, she had been accompanied by someone who was a bit . . . unsavory.

As soon as she was in range, the girl instantly hid behind your right leg, clutching at the loose fabric of your jacket as if you were the only lifeline in miles. You looked up from the girl and spotted the faint outline of a woman speed-walking towards you, trying—and failing—to approach with a calm demeanor. Gosh, you could practically envision the forced smile she had plastered on her face.

You glared at the figure as you capped the second water bottle shut and placed both bottles inside your backpack.

At the sight of you, the woman faltered. She sighed in what you imagined was frustration before continuing her way towards you and the little girl. You figured that she recognized who you were as she neared. Nevertheless, the woman continued to put on a facade in front of you.

"Lana!" she exclaimed a bit too enthusiastically. She bent down to talk to the child, who you now knew as Lana. "Honey, what have I told you about disturbing other people? Come on, and let's leave this young lady alone." When the girl didn't budge, the woman added, "Now."

The girl's grip on your jacket tightened.

"She's not a disturbance at all," you interjected.

"Ah." The woman straightened herself up to look at you. You could feel her cold stare, though you remained unprovoked. "Well, I must insist," she continued before turning her attention back to the girl. "I told you, you have dance practice today, and you are not allowed to miss another class. The dance recital is coming up, and you don't even know half of the steps. You don't want to make me look like a bad mommy in front of all the other families, right?"

You hardly contained a scoff. This lady was something else. You sensed Lana shaking her head no, yet she stayed behind you.

"I don't . . . I don't like dancing, though . . . " Lana meekly replied.