To See With My Own Eyes
After the terrible tragedy of losing her husband and six-year-old daughter in a car accident, Catherine was inconsolable for a long time. She spent nearly half a year in a private clinic, refusing to see anyone. Her mother, Margaret, remained steadfastly by her side, gently conversing with her daughter day after day. One quiet afternoon, Margaret finally spoke up.
Cathy, your husband’s business wont last much longer the way things are. Its just about afloat, and Edward is barely keeping it together. He rang me and asked that you be told. Its fortunate Edward is an honourable man, but
Something in those words managed to stir Catherine ever so slightly from her grief.
Yes, Mum, youre right. I believe Denis would have been pleased to know I carried on his business. He must have had some sense, bringing me to his office to learn the ropes.
Catherine returned to work, determined to hold her late husbands struggling business together. She succeeded in saving it, but nothing filled the emptiness left by her beloved little girl.
My dear, Margaret eventually suggested, why dont you consider adopting a child from the orphanage? Especially a girl who is in an even worse place than you. Lightening her burden may end up saving you as well.
Mulling over her mothers suggestion, Catherine knew she spoke the truth. And so, not long after, she went to the orphanage, though she harboured no illusions about ever replacing the daughter she had lost.
Alice was almost blind from birth. Her parents, though both well-educated and from respectable families, refused to shoulder the responsibility and, upon learning of her condition, abandoned her immediately. Cowardice and cruelty, it seems, spare no station.
So it was that Alice ended up in the orphanage, christened by her caretakers. She grew up in a blurred world, seeing only vague shadows. She learned to read with her fingers and adored fairy tales, always hoping that, one day, her fairy godmother would find her.
When Alice was nearly seven, her fairy godmother did arrive. She was beautiful, radiant, wealthyand deeply sorrowful. Though the girl could not truly see Catherine, she sensed her kindness. When Catherine walked into the orphanage, the matron was taken aback at her interest in a girl with such health difficulties. Catherine found it easier to let them think she simply had the means and compassion to help a disabled child.
One of the staff brought Alice by the hand. At first sight, Catherine knew, with a certainty she couldnt explain, that this was meant to be her child. Alice looked like an angel, with golden curls and enormous, sky-blue eyeseyes deep and clear, but unseeing.
Whos this? Catherine asked, never taking her gaze off the girl.
This is our Alicesweet, gentle, and kind, the staff replied.
Alice is mine. I know it, Catherine decided at once.
An unbreakable bond grew between Catherine and Alice. With Alices arrival, Catherines world found new meaning. She sought out the best doctors, who offered a sliver of hope: with a delicate operation, Alice might regain some sight, though she would have to wear glasses.
Catherine seized on the hope. Before Alice started school, surgeons performed the operation, but her vision improved only slightly. There was talk of a second procedure, but they would have to wait until Alice was older.
Time passed. Catherine lavished attention on her daughter while steering the family business to new prosperity. She was admired for her beauty and wealth but found no interest in menher life revolved entirely around Alice.
Alice blossomed into a striking young woman, truly lovely, with a charm that could turn any head. She finished university, grateful for everything, and soon started working at her mothers firm. Catherine remained fiercely protective, wary that some fortune-seeker might take advantage of her daughters innocence and the handsome inheritance that awaited her. Whenever she caught a hint of ulterior motive, Catherine made it unmistakably clear that no one would enrich themselves at her daughters expense.
And then, for Alice, love arrived. Catherine met Phillip, her daughters suitor, and, seeing nothing amiss, gave her blessing to their courtship. Before long, Phillip proposed, and wedding preparations filled the air. In six months time, the doctors planned the final operation to try to restore Alices sight.
Phillip was gentle and caring, though Catherine occasionally sensed something too practiced in his mannerbut she pushed the suspicion aside. One day, Alice and Phillip visited a country inn, the chosen venue for their wedding reception, to discuss final arrangements. It was a quiet afternoon, with hardly anyone else present.
They settled at a table. Phillip set his phone down before excusing himself when his car alarm sounded outside. Alone, Alice sat quietly until Phillips phone began to ring, incessantly. She hesitated, but with the calls persisting, she finally answered. No sooner had she picked up than a harsh womans voice thundered through the lineit was Phillips mother, Mrs. Helena Southgate.
Son, Ive come up with the perfect way to be rid of blind little Alice quickly. My friend at the travel agency can reserve the mountain trip for you two after the wedding. Tell your dull wife youve always wanted to see the peaks. Take her walkingmake sure she accidentally slips and falls. Then return on your own, say your wife went missing. Cry, demand a search, look the grieving husband. When they find her, it will look like a tragedy. Who will bother with any deep investigation abroad? Youre good at playing the devastated widower, I know. Even her mother will believe you. Just dont let them operate on her eyes first, or itll all be much harder! That kind of money isnt to be missed, darling. So think on it. Ill ring off now.
Mrs. Southgate hung up. Alice dropped the phone as though it had burned her fingers.
So they mean to kill me he and his mother her thoughts raced, horror-stricken.
Just moments earlier, Alice had been a blissful bride-to-be, eager for the final touches before her wedding. Now, paralysed by fear, she saw the true nature of the two people her mother and she had welcomed into their hearts. Alice trembled, fighting to maintain composure just as Phillip returned.
No idea why the alarm went offperhaps a catthough theres no sign of any damage. Anyway, sorry about that. As he spoke, his phone rang again. He snatched it up.
Yes? Of course, Rob. Ill come right away.
Well, thats annoying. Robs called an urgent meeting at the office.
Go, its fine, Alice whispered. Ill wait for Mum. Well finalise things together.
Alright, Id better dash. See you soon
Once he left, Alice sat down and wept quietly at the table. The inn manager, Clara, soon noticed and approached, concerned.
Alice, are you alright? Wheres Phillipyou two were making plans
Its nothing, Clara. My mothers coming. Some confusion, thats all. Phillip was called back to work.
Let me bring you some tea, dear. You look beside yourself, Clara offered. Alice nodded.
Catherine knew that Alice and Phillip were meeting at the inn, so she was surprised by Alices urgent call.
What could possibly have happened? Alice sounded so unwell, she wondered, slipping behind the wheel.
In twenty minutes, she was at the inn, sitting down with her daughter.
I was so worried, Alice.
Mum, oh Mum, Alices voice broke into tears, They want to kill me!
Who? Catherine stared in disbelief.
Phillip and his mother, Mrs. Southgate. I heard it myself. She rang himhed left his phone on the table when he ran out for the car. She told him to get holiday tickets for the mountains so he could push me off a cliff. She wanted it done before I could have my eye operation.
My darling, are you certain? Are you sure youre alright?
I swear its the truth. She didnt realise it was me answering, not Phillip. I hung up quickly, so she suspects nothing; Phillip was called away to work.
Catherine was stunned. Could they both have misjudged this polite young man so badly? The two women pondered what to do next. While they sat in quiet shock, Phillip rang Alices phone.
Well, Alice, has your mum arrived? Did you two finish the room arrangements?
Catherine took her daughters phone.
Phillip, its Catherine. Listen carefully. We know all about your mothers little plan. About the holiday in the mountains
What on earth are you talking about? Phillip replied, either genuinely confused or feigning it expertly.
I mean the plan, Phillipthe trips, where Alice was supposed to have a fatal accident.
Phillip realised what had happened; his mother must have been overheard, and to make matters worse, shed followed up with a message urging him not to delay.
Accident? I dont know what you mean. Why would we His feigned shock was obvious now.
So you could be left as a wealthy widower. But it wont work, you filthy coward, especially not if the police have your phone: they can retrieve any deleted message or call. I hope you understand exactly what I mean.
Phillip was silent for a moment.
I understand but it was my mother
A true villain, hiding behind his mother. Goodbye, Phillip.
The very next day, Phillip left London, blaming his mother for her blunder. He took her money and went on the run, terrified Catherine and Alice would go to the police. Mrs. Southgate also fled, disappearing to stay with friends in the north.
Witnessing Everything With Her Own Eyes
At a renowned London eye clinic, Alice underwent her long-awaited surgery. Catherine was forever by her side, guiding her daughter out to sit on a bench in the gardens, keeping her company as the doctors said she mustnt remove her bandages just yet. The young surgeon, Dr. Michael Ashbourne, was attentive and gentle, though it was the experienced lead consultant who performed the operation. Dr. Ashbournes care made it plain he was quite taken with his lovely patient.
Catherine kept a close eye, but it was clear Michaels feelings were sincere. When the bandages finally came off, he brought Alice a grand bouquet of garden roses. For the first time, Alice could truly seeher shock and joy were overwhelming. The colours, the beauty, Dr. Ashbourne himself, tall and fair with gentle grey eyesall filled her vision.
I can seeI can really see! Alice cried, tears of happiness streaming as Michael rushed to comfort her.
Though Alices vision required she always wear spectacles now, she wanted for nothing more. Compared to her previous darkness, this was pure bliss.
Time passed, and Alice and Michaels wedding was a beautiful affair. A year later, they welcomed a little daughter with grey eyes just like her fathers. Alice is happier than ever, with a loving, trustworthy husband who cherishes and protects her always.
Thank you for reading this tale. May good fortune walk ever at your side.
