Blind Justice: A Call for Duty

This story is by Melvia Zeigler and was part of our 2025 Fall Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.

Ever wonder what it’s like to be blind? Go ahead—tie a silk scarf over your eyes, then step into a busy New York City intersection at rush hour. Horns blare, brakes screech, sirens pierce, and strangers shout. It’s madness with a soundtrack. Now, try to tell the difference between a helping hand and a predator’s touch.

Welcome to my world!

I’m Sue, and I’m as blind as a Barbie doll. But blindness isn’t my downfall—it’s my radar. It sharpens my faith, tunes out the fake smiles, and zeroes in on the truth. People lie. Faith doesn’t. That’s how I roll. Every. Single. Day.

Once, a seemingly helpful guy taught me that ‘stranger danger’ isn’t just for kindergarteners. He lured me into an alley and assaulted me—I ended up in the hospital for eight days with two broken ribs and a concussion. But I didn’t let this break me. I bounced back, stronger than ever.

After that incident, everything changed. My family staged an intervention. “Get a guide dog,” they said.

“I’m not an animal person!” I argued.

Their response: “Death or a dog.” I chose the dog. Best choice ever! Ada is loyal and brave. Now, I walk confidently, not like someone who was just mugged.

When I thought Ada might be sick, I panicked. It was an accident, but I still blame myself. I won’t risk her health.

“Excuse me, sir,” I asked a doorman. “Is there a veterinarian nearby? My guide dog needs medical care.”

“Yes, Dr. Wellesley—our dog’s vet! She’s three blocks away,” he shouted.

“I can hear just fine, sir. It’s my vision that’s gone.”

After a pause, he whispered, “Sorry… I’ll get you a taxi.”

“No thanks. It’s faster to walk. Could you give me the address with clear directions?”

A few minutes later, Ada guided me to the Doctor’s office with help from my WeWALK Smart Cane, my high-tech co-pilot.

Inside, I announced, “Good afternoon. I need to see Dr. Wellesley. My dog swallowed something.”

“You’re in the right place, honey,” a cheerful voice said. “Dr. Wellesley will see you shortly. Take a seat over there.”

Uhm, is over there—somewhere between here and there?

“Please,” I said, “just help my dog.”

Dr. Wellesley arrived immediately. “I’m Sue, and this is Ada.”

“I’m Dr. Wellesley. Nice to meet you and Ada.” Her soothing voice put me at ease.

“Doctor, my Ada swallowed a small metal object—it might be valuable.”

“What was happening before that?” she asked.

Taking a deep breath, I began. “This may sound like too much information, but it might help explain things. You’ll understand why in a second…”

I hesitated, then went on. “Three weeks ago, at Dunkin’ Donuts, I met Dick. He’s a banker. And yes—he can see. Things moved fast. He made me feel normal, like I wasn’t on a blind date for once. But two things bothered me. First, our dates were always out in the boonies—that’s weird, right? Second, his stories seemed made up, like he was hiding something. I stuck around, despite my doubts. Guess I just ignored all the red flags.”

“Go on,” Dr. Wellesley said gently.

“Dick invited me to his place this morning. We sat on his small sofa, he unbuttoned my blouse, and we made out. Then he said, ‘I’m really attracted to you.’ I touched his short, curly hair—I think he’s Black, and that doesn’t bother me. But something felt off. I think he’s married!”

“Okay, Sue,” the doctor said softly. “What happened to Ada?”

“Yeah, right! My guy, Dick, placed a bowl of water on the floor for Ada to drink. Then the phone rang. He went into the bathroom to take the call. I started feeling around his desk—don’t ask why—and knocked over what felt like a jeweled cross. It fell into Ada’s water bowl with a splash. She drank it. Cross and all.”

“You and Ada were in a real pickle,” the Doctor said.

“For sure!”

“He came back and said, ‘Work emergency—I have to go.’ We hugged, French kissed, and then he whispered, ‘We have unfinished business. See you later.'”

I told him, “Feel you later.”

Dr. Wellesley chuckled.

“Doctor, I’m worried. Will Ada be okay?”

“She’ll be okay! She swallowed something she shouldn’t have. I’ll give her my special medicine—it helps dogs go to the bathroom. It’s safe, tasty, and dogs like it.”

Um, how does she know it’s tasty?

Ada formed a ladle with her tongue, then scooped the so-called tasty medicine and swallowed it. “It takes about ten minutes to work,” Dr. Wellesley said. “Ada will let us know when she’s ready. In the meantime, let’s talk. Sue, do you really think your friend is married?”

“Yes, I think he’s married. No single guy drives a ‘Mommy Wagon’ with little toy soldiers parked on the passenger seat—unless he’s hitched. I suspect he’s lying, but without more proof, I’ve let things slide.”

Sitting there, I wondered if I was blind to the truth, or just couldn’t face being alone.

“Should I move on and forget Mr. Minivan?”

“Sue… I—I don’t know. I suppose most of us assume that the people we love—our husbands, partners, or friends—are telling us the truth. But honesty is vital, especially in romantic relationships. It’s the foundation of trust.”

“So, Doc, you’re saying trust is built on truth?”

“Yes. Yes, I am. The world can’t function without mutual trust… But sometimes the truth still finds a way to undo everything.”

Ada’s stomach rumbled.

“Showtime,” the Doctor said. “Take five steps forward, onto the fake green carpet. Stop there—Ada will do her duty. I’ll scoop it and scan for the object.”

“Okay… There’s something shiny.”

Sue heard the hum of running water.

“Got it,” the Doctor murmured.

Then came silence, broken by a sharp, involuntary gasp.

“Oh my God!”

“Doctor, what’s wrong?” Sue demanded.

She placed a small, jagged object into my palm. “What’s this?” I asked.

“It’s an exquisite yellow diamond cross,” Doc said, her voice trembling. “Engraved… ‘To my Turtle Dove, 2024.'”

I traced the lines with my fingers, feeling the edges I’d once brushed on his desk. “Doc, I recognize this cross. I wonder whose Turtle Dove?”

I stood. Ada shifted beside me, alert. “Doctor, what about Ada?”

“Ada will be fine. If she throws up, call us. Otherwise, her wagging tail will tell you all’s well.”

“Thank you, Doctor. How much do I owe you?”

“No charge. The pleasure was all mine. Let’s grab lunch next week; my treat. We can have that girl talk about your date.”

“Sounds good,” I replied.

As we wrapped up, her tone suddenly shifted, losing its warmth and gaining a steely edge.

“Wait here,” the Doctor commanded. “I need to make an important call.”

Once she disappeared into her office, I heard the click of the lock, followed by rapid taps on her phone screen. My pulse raced like a freight train as I leaned in to listen.

“Hi, honey.” Her voice shook with anger. “Or should I say, Dick? I found your secret and my gold cross in the dog of the woman you were with this morning. That cross was supposed to symbolize our love. Just so you know, I’m not your Turtle Dove anymore. I’m your ex-wife. And I’m calling my lawyer.”

I held my breath as the truth hit. Disappointment stung, but relief followed. Justice made it all worth it.

Dr. Wellesley returned and said, “What about our date?” Her calm voice carried a hint of unease.

“Dr. Wellesley, lunch sounds nice.”

“Thanks to you, I’ve discovered the truth about my spouse. Sue, I’ll hold onto the evidence, uh, I mean the cross.”

The Doctor snatched the cross from my hand and dropped it onto the desk.

And then, Dr. Wellesley pressed a Braille business card into my hand. “That’s my divorce lawyer. Justice will be served!”

I traced the raised dots with my thumb. “No thanks needed,” I replied, slipping the card into my pocket. “Doctor, promise me—you won’t let him bury the truth again.”

“Never. I have the evidence and the final word is: Divorce.”.”

I couldn’t help but smile, sensing a quiet understanding between us. As Ada guided me down the steps, the city hummed—unseen yet alive.

“Trust is earned, Ada,” I said, recalling Matthew Henry’s words: “None are so blind as those who will not see.”

Ada’s tail brushed my leg, bringing me comfort and security.

Blind? Maybe. But justice doesn’t need eyes to find the truth. Dick—if that’s even his real name—thought his lie was safe. But the engraved, diamond-studded cross exposed him—a perfect piece of evidence proving that buried truths eventually surface.

Ada, ever faithful, had done her duty, and justice was served.