The Running Dream

The school year ends with Jessica experiencing mixed emotions. She sits at home while her friends all go to the prom, wondering if she would have had a date if “I wasn’t walking around on a pipe” (272). At the track banquet, she receives the check for her running prosthesis, only to be told by Dr. Wells that her leg was still changing, and she would have to wait until the summer. Fiona springs into action with activities for both girls to do over the summer, including studying for the SAT and getting a job at the local movie theatre.

Finally, at the end of June, Dr. Wells gives Jessica the good news: she can get both her everyday leg, a “flex foot,” as well as her running leg. But again, her excitement is dampened when she is told that a part is on back order. It isn’t until the end of July that Jessica drives to Hank’s office to get fitted for both prosthetics. When she arrives, though, Chloe tells her the running leg isn’t done yet due to a manufacturer delay. Jessica, who has been dreaming of trying to run again, is disappointed.

When Jessica tries on the new daily prosthetic, she is amazed by how natural it feels. Hank tells her that she will need to come back for readjustments, but as soon as they find the right measurements, they can get a cosmetic leg cover for her. Jessica is deeply grateful for all Hank has done, wondering “how I could have ever hated this man […] or have been so angry at him” (277). Hank compliments her on all she has endured, and Jessica realizes that he is right, and she should be proud of her accomplishments. She leaves the office with a lighter heart.

That evening, Fiona picks Jessica up for their shift at the movie theater. She is surprised to see Greta, the elderly owner, standing at the admission window, as she is usually roaming around the building. When Jessica asks if all is well, the owner says its slow and tells the girls to go into the theater and find something to clean. As they walk in, Jessica notes how still and quiet it is in the room. Then comes the shout of “SURPRISE!” (279) as all of her track teammates, her coach, her family, her friends, Hank and Chloe, and the reporter, Marla Sumner, come out from their hiding spots.

Coach Kyro walks toward Jessica carrying a large box wrapped in paper the color of Liberty’s school colors. Everyone is crying around her and her “teammates are pogoing around like maniacs, so excited to be giving me this gift” (279). When she sits down to open up the box, she notices that the leg is blue with gold scrawled over it. It’s the signatures and comments left by her teammates, comments like “Run like the wind!” and “You’re amazing!” and “We love you, Jessica!” (280). Jessica breaks down sobbing, saying, “I love you guys. What did I ever do to deserve you? Thank you so, so much” (281). She hugs all her teammates and is happy to see her father and Coach Kyro shake hands. Greta turns the music on in the theater and everyone gets up to dance, including Jessica.