Chapter 23 - Connor’s Progress
Connor was fourteen by then? Wait three years later he'd be 14. At this chapter roughly 18 months later, maybe 12-13.
He improved.
Not into a miracle story.
He could stand with braces.
Take short assisted steps with forearm crutches in therapy.
Wheelchair remained his primary mobility for school and longer distances.
He hated adults asking:
“Are you walking yet?”
As though wheelchair meant failure.
The Colorado program helped strength and confidence.
Local therapy continued.
No one could prove what outcome would have occurred otherwise.
Eventually Connor said:
“I wish Grandma never made it about me.”
Amelia asked:
“What?”
He had learned more as he got older.
“Like she hurt Maisie because she wanted money for me.”
“She made her own choices.”
“I know.”
“But if I didn’t get hurt—”
“No.”
There.
Children invent causal guilt too.
Amelia had learned from Maisie.
“Your accident did not make Grandma take the mask.”
Connor looked unconvinced.
“She said my rehab.”
“Her reason is not your responsibility.”
Same sentence.
Different child.
Eventually Connor asked to talk with Maisie about it.
She was seven.
Therapists advised simple.
He said:
“I’m sorry Grandma talked about my therapy.”
Maisie answered:
“You didn’t.”
Exactly.
Then:
“Your chair cool.”
Connor groaned.
“It is not cool.”
“It has lights.”
“Fine. Lights cool.”
Done.
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Children are efficient when adults stop assigning symbolism.
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