Lesson #3 Part 2

I opened my eyes, but nothing changed. I listened for sounds of morning-- traffic passing, doors slamming, sirens. Was the world beginning to wake up? It was dark. The blackness was soft and familiar since my vision had completely eroded.

"I don't have time to dwell on the loss," I thought to myself. "I've done that enough anyway. I have things to do now." I had to let Marge in when she gets here to do the cleaning. I had to feed Buck. I had only had him for three weeks so I am still getting the routine down.

I live in an apartment alone, well, with a dog. I can fix my own food because the cans and packages are labeled in Braille. I can go places with Buck that I couldn't go before. I feel more confident of myself with him. It took a long time to get him, and then, I had to learn how to maneuver, and we had to bond.

I work as a receptionist/switchboard person for a company that does packaging and shipping. It sounds like something you would need vision for, but I get along well with touch.

I heard Buck's soft foot steps on the floor as he came to the dish where I poured his food. He rubbed gently against my leg. I turned to sit down at the table and pour my own cereal and milk. Buck finished his food and came to sit by me. I felt the floor vibrate and simultaneously heard a loud boom. Buck's collar clinked as he stood up, and his breathing was harsh and quick.

"What is it, boy? Buck, come." Suddenly, I needed his reassurance. The bitter acrid smell of smoke burned my nose. "Let's see what's the matter, boy," I said starting to the door. Buck stood in front of me and refused to move. I found his harness and put it on. The smell was stronger. I was beginning to get very anxious. I heard sirens, but they did not seem to be close.

Buck still would not move to the front door. I turned in circles trying to get him to move. He walked a few steps, but he continued to push on my leg. Finally, I went the way he wanted and found the back door.

"Katy, you O.K.?"Mr. Kirkland shouted from his yard.

"Yes. I'm O.K. What happened?"

"The truck that was paving the street was in a wreck. It made a bad mess right in front of your building. How did you know to come out the back?

"It was Buck's idea."