Bent but not broken

By Dipali Bhargava

“Rise and shine sweetheart,” announced Anita as she entered her daughter Mia’s bedroom.

Making her way through the mess, Anita laid the breakfast tray on the table and sat next to Mia.

In a bad mood, Mia turned her face away and muttered, “I can’t stand the fake happiness in your voice.”

Anita’s face dropped. Determined to not give up, she picked the tray and said, “Come to the living room if you want to eat,” and left. Surprised, Mia laid in silence for some time but eventually gave in to the demands of her grumbling stomach.

Turning in bed, she looked around the room. Parked by her bedside was the eyesore she dreaded but needed, her wheelchair. Peeling herself from the bed with great difficulty, Mia climbed into the wheelchair, adjusted the feet straps, and took a deep breath before moving towards the living room.

Mia had lost her legs in a car accident 10 months ago, and ever since she had confined herself to her bedroom. Making the small family of two even smaller. But Anita was determined to not let Mia’s disability stop her from stepping into the world and lead a normal life.

Slowly moving her wheelchair towards the television to lower the volume, Mia mumbled, “What’s the point of eating here when it’s just you and me and you’ve already eaten?” Suddenly, Mia’s focus shifted to the documentary, playing on the screen.