The next day, Emma looked at the photo Ryan had sent.
She didn't stare at his face for long.
Instead, she remembered his voice… his words… his kindness.
That night, when Ryan called, Emma spoke softly.
"Ryan," she said, "I want to tell you something."
Ryan felt nervous. "What is it?"
"I don't think your photo changed how I feel," Emma said honestly.
"I already felt close to you… even before seeing anything."
Ryan swallowed hard.
Her words touched him—but also filled him with guilt.
"Do you really believe that?" he asked.
"Yes," Emma replied. "Because I connected with you through your heart, not your face."
Ryan smiled sadly.
If only she knew the truth.
They talked for hours that night.
Emma laughed, shared her worries, and spoke about her dreams.
Ryan listened carefully, as always.
Yet inside him, a storm was growing.
Every kind word from Emma made the lie heavier.
Every laugh reminded him that honesty was slipping away.
After the call ended, Ryan sat quietly in the dark.
He touched his white cane and whispered,
"She loves without seeing…
but can she accept what she cannot imagine?"
Love was strong.
But the truth was closer than ever.