PERCIE
Eight months ago.
Emma had been practicing her race on weekdays for five months now since her application was accepted. Her neurosurgeon cleared her to join the Paralympics after running some tests. She was not the best or the fastest, but I was so proud of her determination to join the race for a cause.
We’d been visiting her every Saturday for five months. Still, no words from my parents. I almost got caught when they didn’t show up on Friday. Instead, they visited her on Saturday just like us. I didn’t insist on asking permission from them to see Emma since everything about us was doing just fine. I didn’t want to give more trouble to Emma more than I already did. She had to focus on racing.
Emma extended another couple of months in rehab just to let me visit her every Saturday. She’d been busy with her blog as well. She encouraged paraplegic patients to join sports. She’d meet her followers every month, especially those who were near or within the city. I could say Emma was getting back on track.
I heard the overhead pager calling for our flight. I already had our boarding pass through an e-boarding online. I pushed the cart to the line that started to line up. I had only one traveling bag, two for Emma, another two for my grandparents, plus her manual wheelchair for her race.
Our parents didn’t have any idea where we were traveling today.
“Em, do you need anything before we board?”
“Nope. I’m good.” She was grinning with excitement.
“Make sure you’ll win tomorrow, Em, or I’ll leave you alone in New York if you lose.” I sneered. I wanted to annoy her a bit, and she looked funny when she flushed with anger.
“Like I care if I win or not. I just wanted to enjoy and see New York.” She giggled.
I knew that was what she wanted—not to win but to enjoy. Despite her being disabled, it didn’t stop her from enjoying her life. She even said once if she didn’t get the injury, she wouldn’t have experienced this. She wouldn’t think of encouraging disabled like her and not even thought of joining any sports.
racing if you know you’ll only lose?”
hit my
to the boarding area. Just follow us when you two
“Fine. See you later.”
because of her injury, but I couldn’t say I was grateful because if I still got ten seconds to change that night, I would still not choose that to happen. We may still
of life. And for me to value life and live life independently. I found a job in a car repair shop near the school. After a month of training, I learned somehow
followed them with her handy bag. She liked the window
with your seat,
She grinned.
rolled my eyes. “Stop doing that.
“Buzzkill.”
you
good, Perce. Thank you for doing this for me.” She squeezed
you’ve been thanking me for the umpteenth time, and you’re welcome for the umpteenth time, too.” I squeezed her hand back and didn’t let
that you’re here with
know that I’m so proud of you, right? I know you didn’t join this race to win. I was just messing with you earlier. I’ll always support you in everything you want to do, but your safety is my priority
and you’re gonna miss
have to come with you. They gave me special consideration, assignments and I will take special exams next week. Don’t worry about it. Either they mark
the best, Perce. The one and only.” She
do anything for you, Emma.
I would do everything for you too, in a heartbeat. I may be paraplegic,