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“Because of our trip?”
I nod.
He blows out a frustrated breath through his nose. “Unbelievable.”
I stay silent, unsure of what to say. I can’t pretend to know what he’s feeling, but I can appreciate that it must be frustrating to be handled with kid gloves when you’re a grown adult.
He paces while he talks. “It’s like I’m still stuck in that wheelchair, no matter how much progress I make. No matter how much I’ve accomplished, I’ll always be looked at as a pitiful person who can’t do anything on his own.”
“I don’t think she—”
“Let’s just forget this, okay? Go hang out by the pool, and we’ll forget the whole trip.”
“No.” I tug his wrist until he’s standing in front of me, looking into my eyes. “I know Nana is worried, but that thought didn’t even cross my mind. Don’t let this ruin the fun you planned for us. I’ve been so excited to go camping with you.”
The muscles in his jaw pop, and his feet remain planted on the porch.
Stubborn. I trot down the stairs, and start making my way into the gravel parking lot. I won’t let him give up on himself because someone else thinks he should. I stop beside his truck, and cross my arms over my chest, tapping my foot as I wait.
Bryce gives in, and meets me at the passenger side. Without a word he swings open the door for me, and I hop inside.
We ride for a few minutes in silence before I break it with a question. “Have you ever told Nana how she makes you feel?”
His grip on the steering wheel tightens. “She just says it’s her job to look out for me.”
“But she wouldn’t be as worried if you didn’t have a spinal injury.”
“Exactly. She doesn’t mean to hurt me. Most people think they’re helping, but they don’t realize that they treat me like I’m half of a person. Less than them. They project their preconceived notions onto me, and try to make decisions for me without really talking to me. Even the doctors told me it was unlikely that I’d walk again.” He glances at me before returning his gaze to the road. “Why would they say that to someone unless they were sure? Why put that idea in someone’s head?”
I stick my hand out the window, and let the warm breeze slip through my fingers. “There are many things that doctors aren’t sure of. They aren’t the end-all-be-all. I used to read a lot about the power of positive thinking, and you’d be surprised how much our bodies rely on our thought process. There’s a documentary on Netflix called—”
“Heal.” Bryce nods. “I’ve seen it.”
“I tried to keep Mom’s spirits up, but it wasn’t easy. Cancer treatment took so much out of her, especially toward the end.”
“Do you think she’s excited, looking down on you as we drive to our destination right now?”
“She totally is.” I pause. “I just have one question: Will there be snakes?”
“Do you mean palm trees, or actual snakes?”
I nudge his arm. “Actual snakes, smart ass.”
He chuckles, low and raspy. “I will not let anything happen to you.”
The way he says it with such conviction makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Still, “Have you seen how fast a snake can move? They don’t have any bones. They just slither,” I move my hand in a zigzag, “and bam! They bite you and stick you with venom. They’re evil, scaly little creatures. And don’t get me started on their shedding skin.” I shiver. “What are you afraid of?”
He puffs up his chest. “I’m not scared of anything.”
I roll my eyes. “Come on, macho man. Everyone’s scared of something.”
“Not me.”
“You’re such a liar.”
“I mean, would I shit my pants if a shark was in front of me? Sure. Would I try to pet a grizzly bear? Not a chance. But I have respect for animals, and I’m fascinated by them. Even the scary ones. They all serve their purpose in life.”
“Well, snakes can serve their purpose far away from me.”
