A young lady, like most others, is energetic and full of hope for an exciting future—until an accident alters her perspective on what matters most.
Keys to Freedom
PARENTS struggle to introduce possessions that mix entertainment with practicality as children grow. Big expenses require sacrifices that young minds can’t comprehend. Dangers lurk beyond the walls of a loving home. Freedom comes with the responsibility that many youths downplay.
Redhead Melissa has long outgrown dolls and bicycles. “All” of her friends have cars, and she frequently complains to her non-responsive parents. She decides to go shopping for something similarly important with her brunette best friend, Susan.
Melissa tries on a sleek, red bikini, admiring how it accentuates her slim, toned midsection.
“I know I’m not blessed with your hips, but what do you think?” she asks Susan while exiting the changing stall.
“It’s perfect. Shows off your curves in all the right ways.”
Melissa smiles, feeling a rush of confidence.
“Yeah? I think I’ll get it.”
She changes back into her clothes, glancing one last time at her waist before pulling on her t-shirt.
“This summer’s going to be amazing.”
An image of herself by the pool, basking in the attention, fills her head.
A month after Melissa asks for a car, her parents have a serious discussion in their room.
“We could get her a new car,”
Annette reasons while brushing her hair.
“It would be reliable.”
Robert frowns, shaking his head.
“A new car leaves much of its value on the lot.“
Annette nods, compromising.
“Alright, I’ll meet you in the middle: something safe and economical.”
Keys to Transportation
The news delights Melissa, who soon settles into a five-year-old shiny sedan. The passenger limitations for new drivers seem restrictive, but she promises not to fill the car with youths without an adult passenger.
The illusion of every peer having a car quickly becomes apparent. Many more ask for rides than those who offer to contribute toward upkeep. Melissa bends the passenger rules sometimes for “good” reasons. During her senior year, boys requesting rides get free passes, though she knows it’s risky.
Her school football team is in the city finals. Girls know that a win translates to a celebration.
At school, Susan looks her firmly in the face.
“You can’t miss it!”
A giggle punctuates Melissa’s smile.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Her outfit requires a full week of planning. On the night of the game, traffic is heavy and reckless. She maintains cautious excitement, honking at a near miss.
Melissa “I’m halfway there”
After honking at a near miss, she maintains cautious excitement. While dabbing her makeup while waiting for a stoplight, a honk behind her urges her to proceed without careful checking.
Melissa’s halfway through the intersection when the crumpling metal and shattering glass momentarily deafen her. Instantaneously, the force of an airbag compresses her torso against her seat.
Pinned in the vehicle, Melissa listens as the silence crescendos to bystander screams and sirens. A paramedic flashing a light in her eyes is the last thing she remembers before awakening in a hospital bed.
A curtain blocks visibility below her waist, as tearful bedside parents rejoice at her consciousness, offering a sip of water.
“Honey, how do you feel?”
Annette asks, wiping her eyes.
“Like I’ve been hit by a bus, but I’m mostly numb.”
Robert clears his throat while grasping Annette’s hand.
“You’re receiving some powerful pain medications.”
“I’m sorry I smashed the car after telling you I’d drive responsibly.”
“Don’t worry. That’s what insurance is for,” he assures.
Melissa focuses on what’s draped above the bed.
“What’s with the curtain?”
“Hang on. Let the doctor explain. Here he is.”
“Hello, Melissa. I’m Dr. Albert. It’s good to see you awake. How are you feeling?”
“Mostly numb.”
“That’s good. You’ve already been through preliminary surgery, but we need to discuss a crucial next step.”
“Does this have anything to do with the curtain?’
“Yes. The accident caused irreparable damage. There’s no easy way to say this…. I’ve discussed it at length with your parents…. Your body below your waist requires amputation.”
The mother turns her head to cry as Melissa’s eyes convey disbelief and terror.
“No! It’s not possible.” After wailing, she yanks the intravenous tubes from her arms. “If I have half a body, my life is over. Take it now.”
The doctor tries to provide comfort. “Melissa? Melissa, listen. First, patients have lived with a hemicorporectomy or trans-lumbar amputation. Yet, there’s a ray of hope. My colleagues feel you’re a good candidate for a sub-torso transplant.”
“What? How? How is that possible?”
“The person who clipped your car suffered fatal injuries. She was a student of your stature and is a blood match.”
“I don’t understand. Who is she? How would I function?”
“I’ve already cleared the consent of her parents and yours. Time is of the essence. We need to defer your questions for later.”
“Can you at least answer whether I’ll be able to walk… or,” glancing with embarrassment at her father, “or enjoy the pleasures of a man?”
“That’s the goal. With every precious minute ticking away, I need an answer… now.”
She resumes sobbing. “Can I have a look before deciding?”
“It’s best if you don’t.”
While the nurse reconnects the tubes, Melissa dries her eyes and says, “If it’ll give me a chance for a normal life, yes. Do it!”
Keys to Recovery
The intensive surgery is long, requiring the skill of several experts under bright, hot lights. Many procedures are experimental. After twenty hours, the exhausted team feels the relief of success. Time will tell if their satisfaction is misplaced, knowing a girl’s life hangs in the balance.
Dr. Albert keeps Melissa under heavy sedation for the first week as sutures mend. To Annette, the time feels like three trimesters. She apologizes to Robert for supporting Melissa’s desire for a car. He hides his gnawing emotion, assuring her that no one is at fault.
On the eighth day, Dr. Albert asks the nurse to reduce the IV drip and notify him when she regains consciousness. An hour later, he responds with urgency to an alert on his pager. In the room, Melissa wants to see beneath the bandages.
“Melissa, calm down, please, or we’ll have to sedate you. We reduced the medication for some function tests.”
“Okay. I’m sorry.”
“It takes a while for nerves to mend, so don’t overreact if things aren’t what you expect today.” He lifts the sheet covering her feet and drags the blunt end of a ballpoint pen over her right sole. “Do you feel anything?”
“No, nothing.” After doing the same with the left foot, she responds, “Ouch! It feels like fire.”
“It’s just this pen. Any sensation is good. We will keep monitoring your progress.”
After months of EDMR and physical therapies, Melissa walks with crutches, grateful her scars are hidden. The therapist tells her, “You’re halfway there. With persistence, you should be able to regain seventy percent or more of your mobility.”
The bittersweet news brings solace; her second chance comes from the donor’s tragic loss. She’s grateful, pondering the missed class milestones that pale in significance. She holds the red swimsuit to her waist while facing the full-length mirror in her room after daily exercise. Hope remains that it will one day capture a young man’s attention, though she knows now there’s more to life than appearances.
Inseparably bonded with Susan, they will forever remain best friends. With wider hips, Melissa now shares every step with the brunette who has bestowed the opportunity to drive forward in life.
The End
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