Eventually the weeks turn into months, transitioning from spring to summer. Instead of being at my parents’ every whim, I teach myself to use the public subway in order to get around and arrive at my appointments. Granted, it wasn’t as easy as getting a ride. People walking by would stop to stare while teenagers laughed and made jokes behind my back. I tried shutting them out, but in time I came to see that blending in just wasn’t possible. The truth, no matter how unfair it seemed, was simple. I was no longer a young, intelligent, twenty something bachelor. I was just some guy in a wheelchair now. All anyone cared about was whether or not my chair was in their way, or if I was holding them up with my inferior speed. Some would get indignant, while others would be patient out of pity. It was all around insufferable actually. All I wanted was to be seen as normal, or not be seen at all.

Unfortunately, neither were an option. Still, I was determined to change my fate. After all, if there was one thing the average person respected it was money and success. Therefore, I was going to return to work and focus on my career again. I really missed my job and the people I used to work with. While I was in the hospital a lot of co-workers sent me cards, texts, and even food. I’m anxious to see them all and forget about everything else going wrong in my life. That’s why today, I’ve skipped out on my therapists’ session to catch the 96 subway train. I’m heading out to where my uncle’s firm is located, over in the next city. That’s where my old apartment used to be too. I briefly wonder what the odds of being able to rent it a second time might be…

As the train arrives, I head out and make my way down the crowded streets. Dozens of people bump into my chair without so much as a hint of remorse, but I still press on. Within thirty minutes I’m greeted with the sight of my uncle’s firm. My heart leaps with excitement as I enter through the large doors. The receptionist at the front desk notice me as I approach, so I wave at them before heading to the elevator. Once inside I hit the button that leads to the third floor. I’m glad that no one else is in here, since my chair happens to take up a lot of room. I make a mental note to keep myself from taking a crowded one in the future.

As the elevator comes to a stop, the doors open up to the building’s third floor. I exit and make my way along the familiar path towards the office. I can see all of my old friends and colleagues. I’m quick to approach Jim, my longtime project partner.

“Jim! Heeey! JIM!” I shout, overjoyed to be back.

My friend jumps with shock before turning to see me. After first his eyes look stunned, but then he smiles.

“ZANE! You’re back!” He laughs, coming over to meet me.

For a tender moment we hug, and at last I feel comforted.

“Hey man, you sure you should be out and about yet?” Jim asks, eying my chair with scrutiny.

I shrug him off. “You sound like my mom. It’s been months since the accident! And my physical therapy is going well, so you don’t have to worry.”

He nods with approval. “Great! Hey, we should get together and-”

“Hey, Jim?” Amanda, one of my uncle’s secretaries calls.

“Yeah?” He calls back.

“Your report?” She mumbles, holding out one hand.

“Ah, right! I’ll go grab it.”

Then Jim turns to me. “Look, I’m kind of busy today, but let’s catch up real soon. I’ll call so we can go out and do something.”

I nod, watching as my friend runs off back to his cubical. I turn to Amanda.

“Hey, how’ve you been?”

She looks me over with a mixture of pity and sadness. “Um, good. I’m good. And you?”

Then she freezes, realizing how her words could be taken. “Ah, sorry, that’s not what I meant…”

I laugh. “Don’t worry, I get that a lot these days. I’m glad you’re good by the way. Hey, is my uncle in?”

She nods, pointing off to his big office room. I give Amanda a wave before wheeling myself away. Today, I get my job back. Then tomorrow, my life!