Michael was telling Dr. John about a recurring nightmare. “The important ladies in my life are dancing around a fire like you’d see on the summer solstice, but my wheelchair’s in the fire.”
“Are they celebrating its destruction? Perhaps suggesting you give it up?”
“I hate the prosthetic legs.”
“Why?”
“When I’m in the chair, people look me in the eye and notice my upper body physic. When I wear the prosthetics, that’s all they see. I’m more than a pair of metal legs; and, I’m band mascot.
“So it’s not about comfort. It’s about recognition?”
“I don’t know.”
Written in response to Charli Mills June 18, 2021, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features a solstice. What is the era and setting? Use the solstice as a celebration, metaphor, or talking point. Go where the prompt leads!
Sue Spitulnik 
06/24/2021 at 01:40
I had not thought of the choices Michael faces as a paraplegic. He wants to be recognized for his strength, not metal legs. No one can truly understand the walk of another, especially a battle-born wounded warrior. Or how they choose to roll.
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06/24/2021 at 07:50
So true. We have two friends that are paraplegics due to accidents who I use for story fodder. I don’t actually know an amputee. Perhaps I will meet one.
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06/24/2021 at 02:55
Wise words, Sue, and well written.
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06/24/2021 at 07:51
Thanks Doug.
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06/24/2021 at 02:56
Interesting perspective. I have developed the habit of viewing technology, like prosthetics, as nothing less than a benefit to us, eager to see the stories of advancements granting happily-ever-afters.
This has opened my mind to the other side. We are free and able to choose to live life however we feel most comfortable, and your character feels empowered when he can control the focus of his interactions.
Prosthetics are still new and strange in the world, garnering too much attention, creating too much of a distraction. I wonder if he’d feel differently if he lived in an era where prosthetics were the norm.
Thought provoking piece Sue! Thoroughly enjoyed this journey into another perspective.
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06/24/2021 at 07:52
Thanks Rebecca.
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06/24/2021 at 19:29
Everyone goes through self-discovery, right? Interesting perspective on change.
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06/26/2021 at 11:47
You did a great job with this prompt, Susan.
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06/26/2021 at 16:18
Thank you,Robbie.
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