The Running Dream

Jessica wakes up alone in the early morning hour. She looks to the chair her mom normally sleeps in, but it’s empty. She remembers that she told her mother that she didn’t have to stay overnight anymore. Her mother was uncertain of Jessica’s request, and tells her, “I’d switch places with you, Jessica. In a heartbeat” (36). Jessica knows that her mother would do just that if she could.

They both know, however, that her mother cannot take Jessica’s place. Still, it bothers Jessica that her mother “has been sleeping in that chair” (37), so she tells her mom to go home, that she will be okay on her own. But, in fact, Jessica finds herself alone and upset, and she begins to cry. It’s been eight days since the amputation, and it already seems like a lifetime.

Fiona stops by the hospital after attending Lucy’s funeral service. She confesses to Jessica that the experience was terrible. Although the service itself was beautiful, with people telling stories about Lucy and flowers all over, all Fiona could think about was why this had to happen at all.

Jessica is moved by Fiona’s tears, and she knows she should be thankful that she survived the crash, but she can’t.