The Running Dream

Jessica’s teammates surround her when she arrives, and when she shows them her leg, they react similarly to Fiona. The girls are horrified that it doesn’t look like a real leg, and the boys think it’s incredibly cool. Although the students are staying busy during the event, Jessica realizes that the only people attending are her teammates’ families. Then two boys on the team suggest that Jessica stand in her shorts with them as they hold signs and try to get people to stop and donate.

At first, Jessica is appalled by this idea because she would be “a freak show!” (190). But the boys insist that if more people see her, they will remember the accident and want to help her out. Eventually, Fiona and the other students convince Jessica to swallow her pride, grab a sign, and stand at the side of the road.

The plan works, and many people stop by to donate money and talk to Jessica. She is amazed by all the personal stories they tell about friends and family who have lost limbs and even gamely listens to the stories she deems the “gruesome ones” (193). But she is far more embarrassed to see Gavin show up at the event than she is standing on the side of the road with her fake leg exposed.