As we pull up, the officer parks and gets out to unload my chair. I then get out and roll into the store. I find my favorite beer, stand in line, buy my stuff, and leave.

As I return to the car with my purchase, I look to Janice. I'm sure she's ready with a judgmental stare or a harsh set of words. However, to my surprise, she doesn't react. In fact, she keeps her face set on the front seat, playing with the radio as the officer pulls back onto the road.

It's strange. When we first met, I was ashamed to receive pity from this woman. But now I feel even worse, having disappointed her instead. Not that I can be too surprised. I've already let everyone else in my life down. Why should this be any different?

"Hey, kid? What's your name again?" The cop asks.

"Zane." I reply.

He sighs. "I thought so. There's an alert out for you."

I freeze. "Come again?"

Suddenly, I notice the police radio in the background, describing a couple looking for a son who matches my description.

"Are those your parents?"

I quickly pull out my phone, wondering why they didn't just call me. But I realize it's dead.

I blush with embarrassment. "Yeah, they're probably mine."

The cop nods and pulls up his walkie. "Hey, Harry, I've got the missing kid. He's fine."

Then he turns to me. "I guess we'll drop you off at the station then."

"O-okay." I mumble.

Briefly, Janice glances back towards me, but she again says nothing. The rest of the ride feels awkward after that, and it doesn't take long before we reach the station. Once there, the officer unloads my wheelchair again. I get out of the car and wheel myself into the building. Sure enough, my parents are standing within, tears on their faces. I sigh, bracing myself for what's about the come.

"ZANE!" My mother cries, racing up to embrace me.

"Relax! I'm fine!"

"Why didn't you answer our calls!?" My dad snaps.

"I missed my buss and had to wait. Then my phone died before I realized.

My mother nods. "I'm just happy you're alright! We were worried you had been hurt, or kidnapped!"

Who would bother kidnapping a guy in a wheelchair?

Dad comes over to hug me next. "Look, just let us drive you to the store from now on Zane."

I shake my head with annoyance. "Why? I'm fine. Nothing happened!"

He frowns. "Why are you so against the idea? Do you really prefer to slug through the snow every day in your chair? What if something does happen!"

I scowl. Why do they always treat me like a little kid? I may be disabled, but I'm not helpless!

"Oh, who are you?" I hear my mother ask.

I look back to see Janice standing behind me. She gives a polite wave before holding up her tablet to my parents.

"What? Really?" My dad gasps.

I try to crane my head so as to see the message, but I can’t make anything out from my position. Janice sees my attempts and kindly turns the tablet towards me.

Don't worry. Zane's going to be driving with me from now on. He's volunteered himself at the rehab center where I work.

My jaw drops. WHAT?

She stifles a laugh and quickly writes something new. Why are you embarrassed? It's great that you want to help people in a similar position as yourself!

I shoot her a glare, but before I can say anything my mother speaks up again.

"Well, this is rather unexpected Zane, but it sounds like a good idea to me. I think it would do you some good to do more than just go to the store."

Janice nods and holds the tablet up again. That's exactly what he said!

I bite back a groan. What did I ever do to deserve this kind of torture?

"Well, if everything's been worked out, I suggest you folks head home." The receptionist says.

My dad quickly gives her a smile. "Ah, right. Of course! Sorry for causing so much trouble. Thank you for all of your help."

Then he turns to Janice. "And thank you for taking an interest in our son."

She returns a happy grin and holds up one last message. Not a problem! I'll come by to pick him up tomorrow morning at 9. Can I have your address?

9 AM!?

"Sure! Honey, go help Zane into the car. I'll be right out." My mom says.

And like that, it's all settled. I guess I’m volunteering at the rehab center.