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When I see your face

Aditi
SUPERNATURAL
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Submitted to Contest #4 in response to the prompt: 'You break the one unbreakable rule. What happens next? '

In the bustling corridors of Decheng University, where faces blurred into an indistinguishable tapestry for most, a young woman named Lu Hui navigated her world with an extraordinary challenge. She suffered from severe **prosopagnosia**, more commonly known as face blindness. To Lu Hui, every face was a fresh canvas, wiped clean of prior recognition the moment it left her sight. Friends, professors, even family members, were identified not by their unique visages, but by their gait, their voice, their distinctive clothing, or a particular mannerism. This condition, a constant shadow in her life, had sculpted her personality – a blend of quiet observation, an almost clinical focus on details other than faces, and an inherent distance she maintained to avoid the constant awkwardness of misrecognition.

Her academic life was no less challenging. Accusations of aloofness were common, and the social intricacies of university life often felt like an alien landscape. It was amidst one such academic storm that Lu Hui's life irrevocably intersected with Long Cheng Zhou. She found herself embroiled in a plagiarism accusation, a misunderstanding born from her inability to recognize a fellow student she'd supposedly collaborated with. Just as the weight of the accusation threatened to crush her, Long Cheng Zhou, an international exchange student whose reputation for sharp intellect preceded him, stepped in. With a calm demeanor and logical reasoning, he helped clear her name, dismantling the false claims with an efficiency that left many impressed.

Yet, despite his pivotal role in her crisis, when Lu Hui encountered Cheng Zhou again days later, her expression was blank. There was no flicker of recognition, no acknowledgment of their shared past. She treated him as she would any other stranger, her polite but distant demeanor a testament to her condition. This intrigued Cheng Zhou profoundly. He was accustomed to the easy camaraderie and immediate recognition that came with helping someone. Lu Hui’s genuine lack of recall, her unfeigned surprise at his reintroduction, was unlike anything he had ever encountered. It wasn't rudeness; it was something far more complex, a unique puzzle.

Cheng Zhou, initially drawn by curiosity, found himself increasingly captivated by Lu Hui. As he observed her, he began to see beyond the superficiality of her condition. He noticed her meticulous attention to detail when she was engrossed in her studies, the almost childlike joy that lit up her eyes when she stumbled upon a new idea, and the genuine kindness that shone through her actions, despite her social reticence. He witnessed the subtle ways she compensated for her face blindness – the reliance on voice modulation, the almost imperceptible hesitation before responding to someone she couldn't immediately place. He saw her unwavering optimism in the face of constant daily hurdles, her quiet resilience, and a sincerity that was refreshing in its unvarnished honesty.

He realized that her perceived distance was not a deliberate aloofness but a shield, a mechanism to cope with a world that was constantly shifting and reforming around her. He was drawn to her quiet strength, her unyielding spirit, and the unpretentious nature of her being. Unlike others who might have been deterred by her condition, Cheng Zhou saw it as an integral part of who she was, a challenge that only made her more fascinating.

His initial intrigue blossomed into a deep, unwavering affection. Cheng Zhou, a man of purpose and determination, decided he would win her heart. He began a subtle, yet persistent, pursuit. He would strategically place himself in her vicinity, not for grand gestures, but for consistent, reliable presence. He learned her routines, understanding that familiarity of context aided her recognition. He would approach her, not with the expectation of immediate recognition, but with a patient smile and a gentle reintroduction, allowing her to orient herself.

Their interactions became a delicate dance of discovery. Cheng Zhou consciously became her anchor in a visually fluid world. He would describe people to her, pointing out distinguishing features that transcended facial recognition. He became her extra set of eyes, her memory bank for faces she couldn't retain. When she stumbled, he was there to catch her. When she felt overwhelmed, he offered a calming presence. He learned to identify her subtle cues – the slight tilt of her head when she was trying to place a voice, the momentary pause before she responded, the way her eyes scanned not faces, but the background.

Slowly, imperceptibly at first, Lu Hui began to rely on him. He wasn't just a friendly face (though she couldn't distinguish it from others); he was a consistent presence, a comforting voice, a reliable pillar in her often-confusing world. He became the one person she instinctively gravitated towards, even without recognizing his features. His voice became a melody of comfort, his gait a familiar rhythm, his mere presence a source of inexplicable solace.
It delves into the daily struggles of Lu Hui, showcasing the profound impact of prosopagnosia on her social interactions and emotional well-being. It highlights the often-unseen moments of embarrassment, frustration, and isolation that come with the inability to recognize those around you. Yet, it juxtaposes this with the unwavering patience and understanding of Long Cheng Zhou, who sees beyond the condition to the remarkable woman within.

Their love story is not one of instant recognition or passionate glances, but of profound understanding, unwavering support, and a connection built on something far deeper than superficial appearances. Cheng Zhou’s ultimate goal was not just for Lu Hui to remember his face – a near-impossible feat – but for her to recognize his *presence*, his *essence*, his *love*, regardless of the visual cues. He aimed to embed himself in her memory through his actions, his words, and the consistent emotional resonance he created.

The beautifully illustrates that love can transcend conventional boundaries and defy perceived limitations. It's a testament to the idea that true connection lies not in what one sees, but in what one feels and understands. As Lu Hui navigates her unique world, she discovers that love, in its purest form, doesn't always require a familiar face. Sometimes, it only needs a truly special person, whose actions and unwavering devotion speak volumes, etching their presence into the heart in ways no visual memory ever could. In the end, it’s a story of fate guiding two souls to find each other, proving that even with the profound challenge of face blindness, love can indeed bloom, defying all expectations.

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I have awarded points to your amazing story. Please reciprocate and vote for my story too. https://notionpress.com/write_contest/details/5372/the-call-of-the-sea

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πŸ‘ ❀️ πŸ‘ πŸ’‘ πŸŽ‰

Amazing! I have awarded you 50 points. I\'d appreciate if you vote my story too.\nI just entered a writing contest! Read, vote, and share your thoughts.! https://notionpress.com/write_contest/details/5360

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πŸ‘ ❀️ πŸ‘ πŸ’‘ πŸŽ‰

Hey Aditi, I was captivated by \'When I See Your Face\'! The way you weave feelings and connections is truly special β€” I gave it a full 50 points. If you get a moment, I’d be grateful if you could read my story, β€œThe Room Without Windows.” I’d love to hear what you think: https://notionpress.com/write_contest/details/5371/the-room-without-windows

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πŸ‘ ❀️ πŸ‘ πŸ’‘ πŸŽ‰