The Scent of Neroli

Sarka's heart immediately beat twice as fast when Doctor Vino said that he would soon remove the bandages covering Sarka's eyes. Sarka felt both happy and scared.

"Mom?" Sarka swallowed harshly. He tried to feel for something. And after finding his mom's warm hand, he immediately grasped it tightly.

"Yes, I'm here," his mom replied while stroking the top of her youngest son's head, which she loved so much.

Sarka repeatedly sighed and took a long breath. He did not need to be excessively afraid because his mom would still be by his side. Sarka tightened the grip of his mom's hand even more. He was afraid that suddenly his mom would not be here beside him.

"Mom?" called Sarka once again.

"Yes, dear."

Sitting on the hospital gurney, Sarka turned his head to the right, where his mom's voice was coming from. The rhythm of his breathing was getting faster. He began to feel afraid, afraid that his long-awaited wish would not happen.

"Mom, is it true that soon I will be able to see?" asked Sarka, just to be sure. After all, he needed reassurance. He didn't want to be lied to.

His mom smiled warmly, even though Sarka could not see her. Sarka's mom then gently ruffled the top of his head, followed by a peck that landed on his forehead.

"That's right, soon you will be able to see again," his mom said, sounding very confident. A split second later, Sarka felt relieved.

"You're not lying to me, are you?"

Sarka's mom smiled, then gently kissed the forehead of the youngest son she loved. "I wouldn't lie to you. Soon, what you wanted all this time will be achieved. Doctor Vino also said it himself, right?"

Sarka had to believe what his mom said. He nodded firmly once again while emphasizing to himself that this was all real, not just a dream.

For the first time in six months, Sarka could smile brightly. His black world would soon end, and Sarka would be able to see again. He couldn't wait for this to happen.

Not long after that, Sarka heard the door to the room open. It must be Doctor Vino, he thought. Apparently, Sarka's guess was not far off. Doctor Vino really did come and was ready to show Sarka how beautiful this world is.

"Sarka, are you ready?" asked Doctor Vino.

Taking a deep breath, Sarka nodded once firmly. His lips immediately pressed together. "I'm ready!"

"Alright, I'm starting, huh?"

Sarka's grip on his mom's hand tightened. It wasn't just Sarka's heart that was beating fast, his mom felt it too. In addition, there was an overwhelming sense of anxiety experienced by them.

The bandages wrapped around Sarka's eyes were slowly removed one by one by Doctor Vino. Until it was finished, Sarka still closed his eyes. He waited for further instructions from Doctor Vino. Sarka's heart was beating uncontrollably.

"Sarka, now try to open your eyes slowly," Doctor Vino said gently.

Sarka complied, his head nodding. He opened his eyes slowly, then blinked for a few moments. Although Sarka's vision was blurry at first, a few seconds later, he could see the room he was in. Everything was very clear.

Sarka's tears just broke out. He immediately hugged his mom very tightly. "Mom, I can see again."

Sarka's mom patted her son's back gently. "Yes, you can see again; I'm glad you finally got through this." His mom pulled Sarka into her arms.

Their tears came out in unison. Doctor Vino, who saw it, just smiled with emotion. Sarka released his mom's embrace, then he rubbed his eyes. He didn't expect that he could finally see again.

"Finally, you can see now. I'm happy about this." Doctor Vino smiled kindly.

Hearing that, Sarka quickly turned his face to look at Doctor Vino, who had been very meritorious for succeeding in making his eyes able to see again.