>>5434732Hoo boy. “Um… Tommy, do you want me to explain this?” you try to ask tactfully. “I mean, it’s okay if you don’t, or if you’d rather say it yourself, Buu just doesn’t really know much about stuff here on Earth and all…”
“Nah, it’s fine.” he replies with calm smile.
Okay. You can do this. You sit Buu down and start to explain as completely as you can. “I’m actually glad you asked, Buu. See, there are a number of causes for visual impairment, from malnutrition to disease to even accidental chemical or physical damage to them. Some people are also born that way, eyes having some problem in development or during the birthing process. There are different levels of blindness too, as while some have eyes that don’t function at all or even missing, others do have eyes that still technically function, but not at a level where they can clearly discern more than the most basic shapes and colors. That’s what counts as being ‘legally blind.’ Some also can discern shapes clearly but their eyes don’t discern certain wavelengths of light, so they end up what’s called ‘color blind.’ Still, people can live productive and healthy lives even with these varied types of blindness.”
Buu takes it all in slowly, nodding along. You’re not quite sure how much he’s actually processing, but it’s clear that he’s paying attention. And… perhaps a little too well, as he next nonchalantly and innocently asks Tommy, “What kind are you?”
You wince just a little at the sudden question, the air feeling awkward and stale for a moment, but thankfully that passes when Tommy giggles and answers the question, “Mom and dad said the doctors determined it was caused by chemicals in the air. Probably from where I used to live.”
“Bad air…” Buu concludes, nodding his head.
“Not bad, Gohan.” Lapis praises. “Been doing your research on the topic, huh?”
You rub the back of your neck bashfully. “I mean… not like it’s a bad thing, right?”
“Not at all. Glad to see it.” he replies calmly. “Besides, we’ve had a lot of productive appointments over this.”
You nod. “Plus he’s picked up on Ki sensing pretty well…” Then you telepathically ask, ‘Is that the only treatment they’ve really recommended, or is there anything else he’s got in store?’
‘Currently considering options. Like he said, it’s the result of chemical damage to the eyes, likely some reaction between sulfur dioxide and something else over a long period of time. Doc said it’s a surprise he didn’t suffer any other substantial tissue damage from where he used to live.’
You cross your arms, nodding solemnly. ‘Right, I recall a person who knew him from before saying something about a town abandoned by a coal mine fire.’
(cont.)