number 14
a large pink stuffed monkey gripped in his right hand
his left gently holding his mother’s hand
an ambitious soccer player
known for his speed
agility
precise passes
he knew each play like the back of his hand
a young athlete
wide-eyed for the new world around his
all seemed crumbled around his as he lay in the hospital bed
his body foreign to him
his mind replaying his body flying through the air
the soccer ball rolls toward him foot
nothing
the soccer ball rolls again
nothing
and again
nothing
and one more time
his foot taps the ball forward
a flicker of recognition crosses his face
cheers fill the hallway
day by day
each packed with therapy
day by day
his body became more familiar
day by day
his mind easier to live in
now today
his feet touch the freshly mown field
a feeling of home overwhelms him
his dreams fill with color again
“welcome back, number 14!”
he turns quickly
as he sees the ball come towards him
before he can think
his foot remembers
Tabitha Abraham. I am a PGY-1 from Houston, TX. This piece was inspired by the resilience I witnessed during my time in rehabilitation medicine. It reflects the courage, persistence, and hope that can shape the journey toward recovery.