Before I know it, autumn came and went, leaving only winter until the new year. Everything looked cold and depressing, not unlike my own current state. My body still shows no signs of improvement after all this time, so I decide to stop attending therapy altogether. Instead, I make it my goal to leave the house once a day in order to visit the liquor store. There, I buy a twelve pack of beer a day. When I return home, I grab some food from the fridge and go back to my room to watch T.V. The money I receive from disability only covers the cost of my habits for about two weeks, then I ask my mom for money. I don’t know why, but she always agrees to give it to me. I know it’s wrong for me to take it, especially since she worked hard to earn it over her life, but I do it anyways, using the cash to drink my life away little by little. Somehow though, this way of living seems easier than anything I can think of. No more stress, no more worries, no more thoughts. Just a comfortable numbness.

However, on one snowy, miserable day, as I was running out to reach the liquor store a series of strange events met me. First, I missed my usual bus, because I didn’t account for the icy sidewalks slowing my wheelchair down. Since the next one wouldn’t come around for another twenty minutes I decided to seek shelter in a local fast food joint. Unfortunately, due to the upcoming holiday season, the entire place was full of impatient and angry customers. It was hard enough to get inside the doors let alone find a place to seat myself. Eventually though, I scoot on over to the window to watch the bus stop. Alas, I was stupid to think my day would go by that easily.

“Dude, check that guy out!” I hear someone whisper.

“Whoa! This place is packed. How did he even get in here with that wheelchair?”

“Maybe he rode on it like Santa’s sleigh!” Another joked.

I hear them laugh, realizing it was a group of young guys. Kids these days sure are harsh.

“Hey pal, don’t you think you should be at home?” One of them shouts.

“Shut up man!”

“Yeah, you’ll get us kicked out again.”

I try to tune them out.

“Hey man, are you deaf too?”

“Shut up, you stupid runt.” I snap.

The boy’s friends give a few laughs, but one of them, the one who likes to taunt, isn’t amused.

“Who are you calling runt? I’m not the one stuck riding in a chair!” He laughs.

I scowl. Who even raised this kid?

A few nearby customers notice the scene going on, but all of them choose to ignore it. Which seems about right. This city isn’t exactly known for its good Samaritans.

“Just leave him alone Vince.” One of the boys says.

“No way! This guy’s trying to pick a fight. Calling me a runt? Ha! Don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re in a freaking chair.”

The kid comes closer, and I stay put because I have nowhere to go. He tries to stand up tall and look real tough, though I’m not fooled. He’s just some young buck with little to no parental guidance at home. It’s a shame really, considering he’s got nothing but a bad attitude holding him back from living a productive in life. What I wouldn’t give to be in that position again!

The boy laughs. “Fine, whatever, you aren’t worth my time anyhow.”

Then he turns to walk away, much to my relief. However, to the shock of both him and me, we see a cop standing behind us.

“Is there a problem here?” The man asks sternly.