The Running Dream

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Part 5, Chapters 1-3Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 5, Chapter 1 Summary

Jessica experiences some frustration when she begins to run on the new prosthetic. Even with Hank and Coach Kyro’s assistance, she finds it hard to overcome the feelings of imbalance and worries that “I’m going to fall, or trip, or crash and burn” (282). Although everyone tells her that she will get better with practice, Jessica is concerned that so much money was spent on a leg that she can’t seem to use. It isn’t until Jessica stops thinking that the leg is for running, not walking, that everything falls into place.

Once Jessica gets the hang of the running leg, she experiences a “wild, electrifying feeling” (283) and starts to go back to the track every day. What she does acknowledge is that she is out of shape, so she begins running with Fiona and meeting Coach Kyro for speed sessions. Kyro advocates that Jessica concentrate on visualizing a smooth running pace, a suggestion she finds strangely helpful. Reality is still there, though, and Jessica doubts she will ever be able to race again. For the moment, however, it is enough though that she can run.

Part 5, Chapter 2 Summary

Jessica has her running dream yet again. Sherlock dances by the door waiting to join her on their morning run. They run outside in the peace and quiet with nothing but the “rhythmic sound of our feet against pavement” (284). Sherlock suddenly howls in happiness as they approach the river and Aggery Bridge. They sprint over the bridge and turn back for home. For the first time since the accident, Jessica wakes up with no pain and no tears because the dream is a reality.

Part 5, Chapter 3 Summary

With her mother’s permission, Jessica, with Sherlock, begins to run her regular route every morning. When she sees Rosa sitting on her porch, Jessica heads over with Sherlock to sit and talk with her. Jessica is acutely aware of how Rosa explores the world via the internet. In that manner, Rosa can travel to places she will never see and not be judged by her condition. Jessica is sad that Fiona forgot to invite Rosa to the surprise party, and although Rosa is happy for Jessica, it doesn’t assuage Jessica’s conscience. To Jessica, Rosa “cheered me on and made me see things in ways I hadn’t before” (287), and Jessica thinks Rosa should have been at the party.

Afraid that running again will take time away from Rosa and affect their friendship, Jessica determines that she doesn’t want Rosa ever to be left behind again.

Part 5, Chapters 1-3 Analysis

The running leg takes more time and practice than Jessica had expected, but with the same perseverance that got her through the accident and therapy, Jessica eventually figures out how to run again. She recognizes that she may never race, but she can run, which is good enough for her. When she has her running dream again, she wakes up happy.

When her mother allows her to run on the streets again, Jessica and Sherlock are out the door on their daily runs. Sometimes they stop and visit Rosa if they see her out on the porch. Jessica is bothered by the fact that Rosa can’t experience the many places and events that she learns about on the internet. She is particularly upset that Rosa wasn’t invited to her surprise party and decides to make an effort to cherish and keep Rosa’s friendship a constant in her life.