The darkness is penetrating, like being submerged in a swimming pool full of ink. It seems to fill up the pores on the skin. The brain can hardly register the complete lack of information the eyes have to offer. After a moment, it is obvious the heart is beating a bit stronger, and a light sweat has broken out as the adrenaline has been released in response to the new environment. A deep breath sounds much louder than usual.

Getting up the courage to simply move creates a new exhilaration . . . is there a wall right here, or a staircase over here, or a person nearby, or nothing at all? Reaching out feels strange as the eyes are no longer complimenting the sensation involved. It is difficult to be sure where the hands are, yet the feeling of taut fabric around the shoulders is a sure sign they are outstretched. Steps are short and tentative. The urge to laugh about how ridiculous this flailing must appear is suppressed.

After long moments of groping, the feel of wallpaper against fingertips reassures. Both hands move rapidly to the surface, and the body follows. Feeling along the wall, moving with new confidence until it is clear the spot is safe, another exhale and the body relaxes even more. An inquisitive bend reveals soft carpeting underfoot, and a tippy-toed stretch reveals a wall much higher than usual. Time to just breathe . . . and listen.

Soon it is clear there is another. Shuffling, staccato footsteps are not very far away. Direction is difficult to pinpoint as the sound is soft and seemingly coming from everywhere. Straining to hear makes figuring it out even more difficult, but not knowing is almost painful. Time to relax and remember. Remember the words on the card signed by all participants:

In agreeing to this experiment, everyone involved will abide by the following rules:
1) No audible communication at all. This includes voice, knocking on surfaces, kicking or stomping the floor, or any other form of audible “language”. Any violation will result in immediate termination of the session.
2) Although your room is being monitored for sound, no recording devices of any kind are being used or are permitted.
3) Participants may take only the clothes they are wearing into the room. All other personal effects will be stored in a safe until the completion of the session.
4) Participants are encouraged to engage in any mutually agreed-upon behavior during their session.

The footsteps are obviously getting closer, close enough that a faint hint of shallow breathing seems to accompany every third step or so. Back to the wall, the other is to the left. Closing in, but not close enough yet to touch. Not speaking out to direct them is amazingly difficult. Literally biting the tongue is the only way to keep from blurting out. Despite the uselessness of the eyes, closing them tight and wishing the other nearer seems to make perfect sense.

Suddenly a small vibration alerts the back and the brain – they are touching the same wall! The shuffling steps are quicker now, but after a brief pause, seem to be moving away. Damn it! Turning towards the left, fingers like whiskers along the wall, moving again feels almost as foreign as before – as if the brief respite rinsed away the ability.