Awakening to a New Reality

As I slowly opened my eyes, the piercing light that greeted me was a harsh reminder of the world I had been shielded from for so long. Hange's nest, with its soothing mist and gentle glow, had been my sanctuary, my haven from the pain and trauma that had ravaged my body. But now, as I gazed out at the unfamiliar surroundings, I knew that I had to face the new reality that lay before me. Hange's gentle voice whispered in my ear, "My love, it's time to wake up. You need to see." His words were laced with a mix of concern and determination, and I felt a surge of trepidation as I struggled to comprehend what he meant. As I looked down at my body, I was met with a sight that made my heart sink. My skin was a canvas of scars, a topographic map of burns, cuts, and lacerations that covered every inch of my body. I felt a wave of despair wash over me, and Hange's arms wrapped tightly around me, holding me close. "I'm sorry, my love," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "I couldn't prevent it. But you're alive, and you're with me." I tried to move, to flex my limbs, but a searing pain shot through me, and I realized that I was paralyzed from the chest down. My nerves were fried, and my body was numb, a constant reminder of the extent of my injuries. Hange's hands gently guided me, helping me to adjust to my new reality. He showed me a wheelchair, sleek and silver, with a soft, cushioned seat. I stared at it, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. I was going to have to rely on this chair to get around, to navigate a world that was no longer accessible to me. As I looked up at Hange, I saw a mix of sadness and determination in his eyes. "I'll be here to help you, my love," he said, his voice firm. "We'll face this together." But it wasn't just my body that had been affected. My eyes, once bright and full of life, were now severely impaired. My right eye was completely blind, and my left eye was 99% blind. The world was a blur, a hazy, distorted landscape that I struggled to make sense of. Hange's hands guided me, helping me to navigate this new reality. He showed me how to use the wheelchair, how to adapt to my new limitations. And as we moved through the world, I felt a sense of frustration and despair, but also a sense of determination. I was alive, and I was with Hange. And as long as I had him, I knew that I could face anything. We would navigate this new reality together, as a team, and we would find a way to make it work. As we rolled through the halls, Hange by my side, I caught glimpses of a world that was both familiar and strange. I saw people passing by, their faces a blur, but their smiles and waves a reminder that I was not alone. I saw buildings and trees, a landscape that was both beautiful and daunting. And I knew that I had a long way to go, but with Hange's love and support, I was ready to take on this new reality, to face the challenges that lay ahead, and to find a way to live with my new limitations.