Short Stories

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Daniel and Jessica


Daniel and Jessica were inseparable as children. Often times, well meaning parents, relatives and friends attempted to discourage the unique friendship they had formed, advising each to stick to their “own kind”. However, nothing or no one could separate the bond they had. In their innocent minds, they were of the same kind; each had been born blind.

Jessica's family and friends whispered to her that Daniel was a man of color. Jessica would smile and say that she knew. Daniel brought color to her world of darkness. Conversely, Daniel was informed that Jessica was different; she was light skinned, white. Daniel agreed, stating that she brought light to his world. In their innocence, neither understood or perceived the differences meant their skin.

Years passed and still, the two were indivisible. Through out their teen-age years, their relationship continued to blossom and grow. Their bond strengthened through the years. Eventually, despite reservations held by family and friends, they married.

Daniel and Jessica were enthralled by each other. Daniel cherished the supple feel of Jessica’s body. It was full and fluffy. And her hair-it was soft, long and unlike any hair that he had ever touched. He loved to hear the gentle wisp of her skirts as she walked. And her voice, it was like heavenly music to him. Jessica treasured the hard, strong feel of Daniel. In his muscular arms, she felt safe, secure. She loved to feel his wooly curly hair, often running her fingers through its thickness. The very essence of him made her feel heady.

Years into their marriage, a miracle was offered to them. A new technique had been devised and they could both receive sight. How excited they were. They underwent the process together, eager to actually see the love of their lives. Together, they had their bandages removed. Daniel stared in bewilderment at Jessica. He looked at his hands, their darkness, and the stark whiteness of Jessica. Jessica, meanwhile, looked in shock at her husband. Why, the man of color was as dark as the blindness that she had lived in for so many years.

“We tried to tell you” family and friends whispered to them. “You wouldn’t listen.” “Unevenly yoked” was alleged to them many times.

Sadly, being given vision blinded them to the qualities that had drawn and bonded them to each other. Their foundation began to crumble. They allowed the differences and prejudiced opinions of others to bring dissent and division between them. Trivial things erupted volcanic arguments. No longer did they walk hand in hand; ashamed of the looks and stares they received from society. The closeness they once shared became a gulf. Their relationship and marriage deteriorated.

One day, Daniel lashed out at Jessica. Bitterly, he stated that “her people” did his wrong. That “her kind” was responsible for the bondage and hindrance of “his people”. Jessica’s words stunned Daniel. “Don’t punish me for others wrongs” she cried. “It was before your or my time, and to be honest, I’m sorry for what was done, but, yet, I cannot help but rejoice at the good that came out of it.” Angrily, Daniel demanded an explanation. She softly said, “If it hadn’t been for the past, there would not be the present, and you may never have been born. I may not have ever met you.” Stunned, Daniel turned and walked out the door.

Later, he returned. In his hands was a blindfold. “Jessica”, he whispered, “please trust me-let me put this on you.” Jessica complied. “Now,” he pleaded, “touch me and tell me what you see.” “I see color, strength, loyalty, love” was her answer. He removed the blindfold from her and put it over his own eyes. Touching her, his voice trembled, “I see sunshine, gentleness, softness and love.”

The next day, to the bewilderment of the unenlightened they went back to the doctor with this request. “Please take back the sight, for it only blinded us.”

Kathleen Ann Shelton

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