Chelsea sat in her wheelchair at the doctor's office, waiting for the doctor to come in. Her mom was there too, her leg bouncing with nervous energy. They expected test results relating to Chelsea's illness. She had been doing better since receiving experimental treatment. Surely the doctor would have good news. Right? Chelsea wrung her hands in her lap.
Finally, the doctor came in carrying a file. He greeted the two and got right down to business.
"Well," he said, "you're looking good. Your numbers are going up, which is just what we wanted to see. Also, I have some good news. There's a potential that you will regain the use of your legs."
Chelsea blinked. Eleanor gasped. The doctor smiled at her and her mom, giving her time to process. Chelsea looked down at her legs. She had tried to walk in ghost form, but it wasn't working so far. Could she really walk in human form?
She remembered walking as a kid. It felt like forever ago. She used to get tired after walks, but maybe with her getting healthier, that would change. Maybe she could jump on the trampoline again. Or maybe she could ride a scooter. Her mouth slowly curved up in a smile.
Seeing this, the doctor spoke again. "It will take a lot of work on your part. You'll have to go to physical therapy every day. You'll be tired a lot."
"I'll do it," Chelsea declared. "I want to walk again."
They spent the rest of the visit talking about the specifics of Chelsea's test results. A lot of it went over her head, but her mom hung on to every word.