The Running Dream

An uncomfortable encounter occurs between Kaylee, her group of friends, and Jessica. As the girls rush into Jessica’ home after school, they abruptly stop when they see Jessica in the hallway. All of the girls are wearing shorts and seem embarrassed to run into Jessica.

Jessica can tell that the girls are trying not to look at her leg, and she admits that she can’t help looking at their legs. The awkwardness that ensues makes Jessica feel like “a stranger” (53) and “a freak” (53). Suddenly angry, Jessica moves past them to take her medication and nurse her hurt feelings in the family room.

With time and practice, Jessica learns to navigate around her home, usually by holding onto the walls and furniture. She feels this process is easier than using the crutches. She reflects on the amount of physical work that went into moving her bedroom downstairs and moving the couches that had been there to other rooms. Jessica knows she should feel more appreciative of what her family has done for her, but instead she feels “like a stranger in my own house” (54). It’s only when the family is gathered around the kitchen table and Jessica’s stump is hidden underneath the table that she can feel normal again.