The Blind Youth

Once upon a time, there were two young men named James and Tony who had known each other since childhood and enjoyed having good times together.

They had in common that they were educated and intelligent young men, but also that they were both blind from birth. Fortunately, despite not being able to see, in their day-to-day life they were doing very well, as they were in good physical shape, their minds were working at full capacity, they could smell, touch, hear, taste.

One summer day they gathered in their favorite place a river called "Nilo", they sat on the grass, and they began to converse on subjects of science. In the middle of the interesting coversaction they were scared when hearing the sound of several footsteps.

James turned around and a little uneasy asked aloud:

- Who's there ?

Fortunately, he was not a thief, but a traveler with a huge elephant at his side.

- My name is Killiam. Sorry if I scared you. My elephant and I come to drink water and we are leaving, we do not want to interrupt your pleasant chat at all.

The two of them made a rather strange face, a mixture of surprise and emotion. Tony wanted to assure what Killiam had said.

- Did I hear correctly? ... Did you say ... elephant? ... A real elephant?

Killiam saw the walking sticks lying on the grass and caught the lost gaze of the two young men. It was when he realized that they couldn't see.

- Yes young man, I'm going with my elephant. It is a very big animal, but don't worry, it won't hurt you.

Tony said:

- We have heard of the existence of these animals, but none have ever come to this town and we do not know what they are like. Could we touch yours to get an idea of what they look like?

Killiam was delighted.

- Of course, it would be more! It is a very peaceful and kind elephant. Come and pet it, don't be afraid!

the two friends got up, took a few steps and extended their right hands. James ran into one of the front legs and for a while felt it up and down.

- Now I know what an elephant is like! It is like a tree trunk: large and very rough.