After about an hour, I find the strength to ask for a glass of water, hoping to satisfy my dry throat. A young nurse brings it to me, and I drink the glass with shaky hands. Afterwards, I wait for the doctor and my parents.

The numbness in my body begins to wear off gradually, much to my relief. I even sit up in the bed, though my arms struggle with the task. However, the true area of concern is my legs. I still can’t feel or move them, so I begin to wonder about my current state again. After all, if the numbness was caused by medicine, shouldn’t it wear off evenly throughout my body? Why am I only able to move the upper half? An hour is more than enough time for my arms to remember their function. So, what’s wrong with the rest of me?

“Zane!!” I hear my mother call.

I turn my head slowly just as my parents come rushing into the room. Both of them look close to crying, making me tear up as well. My mom reaches me first and throws her arms around my neck. The doctor from earlier enters in as well, though she gives us some space out of respect.

“Oh, my poor baby! Are you alright? How do you feel? Can I get you anything?” She whispers, looking me over with worry.

I chuckle. “I’m fine! I think. I just can’t remember why I’m here.”

She pulls away with a sad smile. “Shhh! It’s okay honey! The doctors say you’ll be just fine.”

I gulp. Yeah, but why does that still make me feel nervous?

“What…happened? Did I get into an accident or something?” I ask, trying to recall the events before waking up.

My father comes to my sit at my other side and takes my hand. “Yes son. The driver struck you when you were crossing the street. It was a hit and run.”

My breath turns shallow. “I was hit by a car?”

He nods. “It was after your engagement party ended. You left the lobby to get Katie a taxi, but never came back. Do you remember?”

I shake my head. “No. How long have I been in the hospital?”

My father sighs. “For about six months.”

Wait…six months?

“S-six? Months? H-how?” I stammer with disbelief.

“Well, my dear, after the accident you fell into a coma.” My mother replies.

COMA! I WAS IN A COMA!?

I start to pant a little too heavily. I was in a coma? As in, unconscious for that whole period of time?

“Relax, son! The doctors were concerned you might never wake up, but coming out after six months was a miracle. You should be grateful!” My father says.

“W-who did it? Who hit me then? Did they ever catch the culprit?” I ask anxiously.

Both of them shake their heads. “No, unfortunately. There was so much traffic that the hotel cameras couldn’t get a good picture of the license plate.”

I close my eyes for a moment, trying to keep calm. I suppose that explains the weakness in my limbs, and the awkwardness of the hospital staff.

“So what now? How long until I’m released?”

My mother tears up again, her face full of pity. I turn to my father, confused by her dramatic reaction. He looks away with shame, so I finally look to the doctor.

“What is it? What’s the problem now?” I demand.

The woman approaches us with a feint smile. “The hospital would like to keep you here for another two weeks so that we can run some tests.”

I frown. “Why? For what?”

Her expression falters momentarily. “Well, it may be too early to say, but our worst concern is paralyses. There was some nerve damage in the lower half of your body. We’d like to put you through some physical therapy to determine the severity of our diagnosis.”

I blink with shock. “What are you saying?”

“Nothing yet, Mr. Fola. That’s what we need the tests for.”

But she’s wrong. I don’t need those tests. I already know what’s happened. The numbness in my legs, it wasn’t due to the medication. It wasn’t something temporary. Paralyzed. They’re paralyzed!

“Oh Zane!” My mother gasps, noticing the tears as they well up in my eyes.

I look away as the droplets fall. I still can’t believe it. In the blink of an eye my life changed. And not by my own carelessness or folly, but by the mistake of another. One reckless driver was all it took. Now l may never walk again.