“Yes. This is Carl.” Magara was used to that little ping of surprise that everyone felt when they realized she was blind. This girl’s reaction was not so severe as most. “Carl, [i]chill-out[/i].”

Officially released from duty, Carl stepped toward the girl to smell her feet. He would allow the girl to pet him if she wished. Carl was a very serious dog when he was working, but loved affection, play and especially food. After greeting this new human he would quietly trot toward the refrigerator.

Magara was surprised by how the girl spoke to her next, as if they were already familiar. “Um.” The friendly stranger had an easygoing energy, and Magara easily 'caught the wave' and played along. The blind girl turned her head back and forth, as if she were looking around the room. “Cute guy at a piano… Food… Bed… Couch for... [i]Smooching[/i].” She felt her lips curl into a small smile.

She guessed that the direction Carl had walked toward was the refrigerator, and the other large cluster of people was likely the couch area. She wanted to avoid those for now. “Do you play the Piano?” Magara was curious if the girl was inclined to music as well as ‘cute’ boys.