While DJ kept Trollex company, the others talked quietly about what to do next.
Poppy said, "This is bad. Do you think this is permanent?"
Queen Essence said, "Cases like this are very rare. But, one thing is for sure; He needs a doctor."
Prince D said, "But, the doctors of Vibe City don't have enough experience with Techno Trolls."
Branch said, "He's right. Trollex needs his doctor."
Delta said, "But, the storm's too bad for any of us to go anywhere."
King Quincy said, "We'll just have to wait until the storm clears up."
Queen Essence then said, "It's almost time for bed. We should get to bed. Let him rest."
Trollex asked, "DJ, you still there?"
DJ replied, "Yes. I'm here."
Trollex then asked, "Could you please stay with me for a while? Just until I fall asleep?"
DJ said, "Of course. I'm not going anywhere."
Everyone else left the two alone.
***
The next morning, Trollex still had no eyesight.
Queen Essence offered to help him get around.
She had to help him eat, not let him bump into walls, and teach him how to remember where everything is.
She also taught him how to recognize people by feeling their faces.
Meanwhile, the others had blindfolds on.
Barb asked, "Why are we doing this again?"
King Quincy said, "It's called an empathy exercise. It's to help friends and family understand what their loved one's going through. So, let me ask you; How do you feel right now?"
Branch said, "I feel helpless and out of control."
Delta said, "Honestly, I feel like I'd be better off dead."
King Quincy then said, "That's exactly how Trollex is feeling now. You know, he has to relearn everything, even the things he's done 100 times a day."
DJ asked, "How long do you think it'll last?"
King Quincy answered, "I'm not a doctor, so I can't say for sure. In the meantime, it's up to us to keep his spirits up and try and stay positive."
Poppy said, "No problem. Cheering people up is my specialty."
Queen Essence asked Trollex, "Ok, who's in front of you?"
Trollex felt the face in front of him, "Is it...Biggie?"
It was.
Biggie said, "Yay! You're doing great!"
Branch then went to them.
Trollex felt his face, "Branch! I'd know those scowl lines anywhere!"
Everyone chuckled.
Branch sighed and said, "The storm's cleared up. It's time to get Trollex to a doctor in Techno Reef."
DJ took her husband's hand and led him along.
***
Everyone walked through the woods.
Everyone could tell Trollex was unsettled.
DJ asked, "Are you ok?"
Trollex answered, "Honestly, I'm a little worried. What if I'm like this forever? What if I never see anything beautiful again? Or worse, what if I forget what everything and everyone looks like?"
DJ reassured him, "Trollex, we've been through everything together. You don't think we can handle this? Trollex, you have me, no matter what."
Queen Essence also said, "And us, too. If something happens, you will always have us."
Trollex smiled and said, "I feel better, but...I think I'd feel a whole lot better if we get to Dr. Darya."
Everyone agreed and continued to walk.
However, something was up.
It was quiet.
Too quiet.
Barb said, "Does anyone else feel a little uncomfortable?"
Guy Diamond said, "It does feel weird with it being this quiet."
Tiny said, "So freaky."
Everyone walked closer together just to be safe.
Just then, Trollex heard something.
"Everyone, duck!"
Everyone did just that and something flew above them.
It was...a Tarantacapuff!
It was clearly angry!
It hissed and started running towards the group!
