Chapter 34

Lilly

Tank and I are sitting in Dr. Rodgers' office waiting for her to come in. I’m bouncing my legs because I’m so nervous. Tank places his hand on my leg. I feel the warmth seep through my jeans to my leg and it calms me. “ Sweetheart, I know you are nervous. But good or bad, I’m right here. We will take it on together.” I lean my head over. Tank places my head on my shoulder. I place my hand on top of his. “ Thank you Tank. I needed that.”

Dr. Rodgers comes in and she has someone with her. “ Lilly, thank you for coming in on such short notice. I have to say I’m happy to see you here instead of the hospital. You look great.” I thank her. “ Lilly, this is Dr. Ramerez. He is a surgeon that specialises in cases like yours.” I reach my hand out to shake his hand. He meets me and grabs my hand. “ Nice to meet you, Lilly.” “ You too. This is my boyfriend Tank.” They greet each other. “ I’m sure you are wondering why I asked you here. You see, I met Dr. Ramerez at a conference recently where he was a keynote speaker. He has done some amazing things with people who have lost their eyesight due to injuries. I got to talking to him about you.” Dr. Rodgers says. Dr. Ramerez says “ I was quite intrigued with your case. I convinced Dr. Rodgers to let me look over your case.”

“ I read all of your test results and your diagnosis. I want to do some newer tests but I think I can help you.” Dr. Ramerez says. “ Help her how?” Tank asks. “ I may not be able to give you your full sight back but I can improve the way you are seeing now. I believe I can take away the black spots and some of the light sensitivity.Some of your depth perception. And hopefully improve your vision. Help you see things a little clearer.” Dr. Ramerez says. “ But how? I was told my vision couldn’t be fixed.” I say. “ It is true that returning your vision completely can’t be done. But Dr. Ramerez can give you some improvements.” Dr. Rodgers says.

“ Lilly, the choice is yours. I understand you have adapted your life to accommodate your loss of sight. And I heard you are doing very well.” Dr. Ramerez says. Tank says “ Lilly is doing amazing despite not being able to see.” Dr. Ramerez laughs. “ I see your boyfriend is very proud of you.” “ I am.” Tank says. I smile at him. “ But like I said the choice is yours, Lilly.” DR. Ramerez says. “ Lilly there is also a program I would like to enroll you in whether you want to Dr. Ramerez’s help or not.” Dr. Rogers says. “ What kind of program?” I inquire. “ It is to match you with a guide dog. Having one of these specialised dogs will help you gain more independence. You will be able to go for walks. Go to the grocery store by yourself. The dog would be able to alert you if there are hazards in the way. Or could alert you of danger such as if it isn’t safe to cross the street.” Dr. Rodgers says. “ That program sounds nice but I don’t think Viper will allow me a dog in the clubhouse. That is where I’m staying until I have fully healed.” I say.

“ Lilly, if this will help you. I don’t think Viper would mind.” Tank says. “ I’ll have to ask him before I look into the program. I’ll get back to you after I talk to him.” I said. “ How about we get an answer now.” Tank says. Before I can ask what he means I hear a phone ringing. “ Viper.” I hear Viper say. Tank is calling Viper right now? “ “ Viper, I have you on speaker. We are still at the eye doctor. We are still going over some things. But one thing is they want to enroll Lilly in a program for a guide dog. But Lilly won’t do it until you ok a dog at the clubhouse.”” Tank says. “ Will the dog help Lilly?” Viper asks. “ From what they are saying. Yes, it could improve Lilly’s life.” Tank says. “ Little sister, if this dog will help. You do it. Anything that involves helping you consider it approved by me.” I wiped my eyes because damn he brought me happy tears. “ Thank you brother.” I say before he hangs up.

“ So I guess I’m getting a guide dog.” I say. “ I’ll start the paperwork.” Dr. Rodgers told us. “ What do you want to do about the surgery?” Dr. Ramerez asks. “ You said you needed to do tests? What kind?” I ask. “ I need to do an eye exam and an MRI. Once I have a look at the updated scan. II can see how much more I can help you.” he says. “ Tank?” I don’t have to say more. He knows what I’m asking. “ Sweetheart, I think you should do the test and hear what the doctors have to say. I am with Viper on this. Any that will help I will even if it is small I am for it. But I will also have your back no matter what your decision is.” Tank says. “ Ok. let’s do the tests.” I say. Then we are off to do the tests.