The hospital's rehabilitation wing didn't feel like the rest of the building. The walls were brighter, with posters of athletes mid-motion and motivational quotes scattered like whispers of hope. The scent of antiseptic still lingered, but somehow it was overshadowed by something stronger — determination.
Ryan sat in his wheelchair near the entrance, his hands nervously gripping the armrests. He wore sweatpants and a Rosehill Wolves hoodie, his legs still weak but no longer completely foreign. Today was the beginning of something new.
Coach Daniels was the first to arrive. "Wolves never walk alone," he said with a grin, his usual calm demeanor replaced with quiet excitement.
Ryan cracked a half-smile.
Then came Ben, Savannah, and Anna. Ben wore his jersey over a hoodie, Savannah brought snacks "for motivation," and Anna carried a small notebook, pretending it was for notes but really just needing something to hold.
"We're not missing this," Savannah said. "No way."
Even Mr. James showed up, leaning on his cane with a warmth in his eyes that said he'd never doubted this day would come.
The physical therapist, a woman named Carla, rolled over with gentle authority. "Ryan Whitmore?"
He nodded.
"You ready?"
"No," he said honestly, then glanced at his friends. "But I will be."
They helped him onto the parallel bars — his first time trying to stand with full intent. His muscles ached before he even moved. His arms trembled as they gripped the cold metal, and his legs felt more like suggestions than reality.
"You've got this," Ben said from the side.
Ryan closed his eyes, took a breath, and pushed.
It wasn't graceful. His knees buckled slightly. He almost collapsed back into the chair, but Carla steadied him. Then he pushed again. Harder.
This time, he stood.
There was a collective gasp from his friends — not loud, just enough. Savannah's eyes welled with tears. Anna gripped the notebook tighter. Coach Daniels smiled proudly, like a father watching his son make varsity.
"One step," Carla whispered. "Just one. That's all we're aiming for today."
Ryan looked forward, then down at his feet.
It felt like dragging mountains, but he moved. Just an inch.
Then another.
And then, a step.
He stumbled back into the chair right after, chest heaving like he'd just run a mile, but the room erupted into cheers. Ben high-fived Savannah, Coach clapped him on the back, and Anna knelt beside him, her eyes shining.
"You did it," she whispered.
Ryan laughed softly, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Guess I did."
"You're not just walking again," Mr. James said from behind. "You're walking into the next chapter of your life."
Ryan nodded, breathing hard but smiling through it. "Feels like it."
And for the first time in a long time, he believed it too.