Deep in my heart

Chapter 7: Highs and Lows

Elaenna rolled over to the rails and tried to pull herself up using her arms which she succeeded in doing. Next, she strained for a minute or two but managed to straighten her legs and began to put her weight on them which they accepted. She used her arms and slowly she waddled down the path and almost made the 1 foot mark until she fell. Jeremy pulled her up but she politely pushed him away and attempted to waddle back but fell. After a few minutes, he came and carried her back to her chair. Afterward, he smiled and said, "That was impressive but take it easy, there's no need to rush".

Jeremy smiled and said"Today, I just wanted to see your level of mobility and it's OK for just starting off. Unfortunately, we won't be doing this again but instead, we will be focusing on you getting a small range of motion in your legs first". He continued and said"For now we will begin with leg lifts".Elaenna said"Okay, with a look of determination as he wheeled her over to the mat and helped her onto the floor. On the first lift, he assisted her and on the second lift she tried on her own and managed to lift her feet just a few inches and even though it wasn't much, it was still a nice start.

Over the next few weeks, Elaenna slowly but surely improved and began being able to move her legs left and right, which made her very happy. Unfortunately for Elaenna, her progress began to slow down and so did her motivation as memories began to flow back to her and many of them were not good ones at all. She tried her best to go about her daily therapy and PT sessions as normal but she began sliding backwards. At their sessions, she began falling over when trying to bend, barely being able to move her legs and even waking up some days in pain. Even though she did her best to play it off, Jeremy knew something was going on and even though he wasn't proud of it, he managed to figure out why by listening in on her.

Upon calling the therapist and telling her about what was going on, he was told that a person's motivation and mental state has the unique ability to affect the body, A great example is when a heartbroken person feels chest pain or when a person who is depressed loses appetite and when a person is told their sick repeatedly, begins to believe it...a illness commonly known as somatic illness or Munchhausen syndrome".In short, her negative feelings towards these memories were affecting her mentally and physically and despite the therapist wanting to give her time, Jeremy decided it was time that someone from her life told her about herself.

He figured that if someone could give her a bigger picture of her situation, then the actions in her memories would make sense to her a bit more and she could begin to sort things out and he knew just who to call. After cooking his famous homemade pizza, he fed her, tidied up the house, and asked for the appropriate calls to be made to her visitors since he didn't want Elaenna to catch on.

The next morning began as normal except today was a weekend so there would be no PT today. Jeremy made breakfast, did the dishes, and waited for the guests and the first ones to arrive were Gabriela and Patricia. Jeremy welcomed them in and said, "I'm going to give you guys some space and leave for a bit but please if you can, help her fill in the gaps please...she's confused about a lot". Patricia smiled and said"We're her friends, that's what friends are for" he nodded and said, "If you need me call by the intercom".

The two girls walked into the apartment and called out for Elaenna who out of confusion came out into the hallway to see what was going on. When she saw who it was, she smiled, wheeled herself over to the couch, and patted the spot right next to her. The two girls sat down and stared off in silence before Gabriela spoke up and said"Umm do you remember us?". Elaenna said, "Yes...I remember you saying some hurtful stuff but I can't remember why...but I do have a question". Gabriela said"said" go for it" Elaenna said"Is my mom really dead or was that a cruel joke?". Gabriela looked at Patricia before sighing and saying"Yes, she died when you were 15 but that's something for you and your aunt to talk about...either way you never told me how she died and I wasn't gonna pry".

Elaenna just nodded and said, "Okay...well I want to tell you that I'm not mad about what happened, It was my fault for hitting that guy and-". Before Elaenna could finish, Patricia said"No, she was way out of line with her comment, even if you were wrong". Gabriela nodded and said, "I'm sorry". Elaenna smiled and said"It's okay, after all, you two did save my life...my nurse said"Two girls named Patricia and Gabriela were at the scene when the police and paramedics arrived; tending to my wounds, trying to stem the flow of blood". Elaenna said"I couldn't be mad at you two...after all the yelling, you two still saved my life". Tears were trickling down her cheeks and her two friends were shocked as they had never seen Elaenna cry before...all they mostly saw was anger from her".

Patricia and Gabriela hugged their distraught friend until she regained her composure. Gabriela smiled and said, "We might bump heads but we would never abandon you". Patricia chimed in and said, "Besides, there's a reason why you always acted so bitter, and at the request of Jeremy, I'll tell you why but I won't tell all of it". Elaenna's face got serious as she looked at Patricia and said"Tell me why".