I can’t see, but that’s okay.
I can tell when it’s daytime because I can feel the warmth of the sun on my face.
I can tell when it’s night because I can hear the soft rush of the air.
****
“What’s the news, doctor?”
“It’s utterly remarkable. This filly is a perfect albino, the literal one in a million chance. She has none of the genetic markers for colouration. Her coat is white, as is her mane’s natural colour. But it’s her eyes that I called you here for. They’re extraordinarily sensitive to light, Miss Moon Shimmer.”
“How sensitive are we talking, Doctor?”
“Unless steps are taken, she will be completely blind within a few years. Even with measures in place, she will eventually go completely blind. I’m calling it a minor miracle that she’s survived this long without any significant damage, and I can only assume that perhaps her parents knew a spell to mitigate the damage, but I can’t find any trace of it anywhere.”
“So, what can we do to extend her sight?”
“Keep her room dark-blackout curtains if possible. Don’t let intense beams of light cross her face if her eyes are open. Anything that blocks or reduces light getting into her eyes. You will also want to get her somepony to start teaching her how to navigate while blind now. From what few records we have, most albinos can live a normal life by simply wearing tinted glasses, but your charge seems to have a rather extreme case.”
“I see. Thank you. Is there anything else?”
“No, Miss Shimmer. Aside from that, she’s remarkably healthy.”
*****
I can tell when there’s a thunderstorm coming in because I can feel the magic building in the air.
I can tell when it’s rained because I can smell the freshness of the earth.
*****
“And how are we today, Miss? Still got your sight?”
“Yeah. I mean, there’s times where I have to squint to see stuff on the board, and everything goes blurry sometimes, but I can still see.”
“Excellent. And are you still keeping up with your navigation exercises?”
“Yeah. Twice a week, I put a blindfold on and walk ‘round the orphanage. Figured out that I can use my magic to help me find my way, so that’s gotten easier.”
“Well done. Now, I’m sure you remember this from your last visit, but I’m just going to probe your eyes, and get a sense of how much damage has been caused, so if you want to lie down on the bed, I’ll get the lights.”
“Got it, doc.”
“Hmm. Well, I can report that at the moment, the damage appears minor, but it is progressing. Everything we’ve been doing has been helping, but unfortunately, I can’t do anything else for you now.”
“Seriously, doc?”
“I told you that everything we were doing was just a delaying tactic, to give you enough time to finish school with your sight intact, and maybe a few years after, but unfortunately, your condition is irreversible.”
“I got it, doc. Thanks anyway.”
“Would you like a lollipop, miss?”
“... yes please.”
*******
I can tell when it’s time to party because I can taste the anticipation in the air.
I just can’t see.
*******
“Doc, I can’t see colours!”
“Ah. It appears that you’ve reached the final stages. Your eyes have been damaged enough that they can no longer register colours. I’d estimate, given your habits, that you have maybe six months left before your vision finally gives out. I am sorry that we couldn’t do more for you.”
“...you got any suggestions, doc?”
“Yes. Find a close friend, one you can trust, to act as your eyes when you need them. Somepony who can read signs and paper where you cannot. You’ve proven to me that you can navigate without your eyes just fine. Of course, my full professional recommendation is that you retire, and find a place where you can be properly taken care of, but knowing you, you’ll just ignore me on that.”
“Well, I guess this will be the last time I’ll be seeing you, doc.”
“Don’t say...oh, very clever, Miss Scratch. Good luck.”
“Don’t need it.”
******
[TIME]
My eyes are open, but all I see is black.
That’s okay, though.
I can feel the pulse of the world.
I can hear the pounding of the drums.
I can taste the anticipation, and smell the sweat and cider on the air.
My magic’s ready. I’m ready.
Who needs eyes anyway?
Not me.
My name is Vinyl Scratch, and I’m blind.
But that’s fine, because I’m about to blow your mind the only way I know how.
Sound, ponies! DROP IT!
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