Walking Miracle

Lydia looked up at the tall, futuristic building with amazement. She always knew her old friend Alan Powers would live up to his childhood nickname, but she never expected to find him at the largest research facility in the known universe. As she wheeled into the main lobby of the building, she was immediately mezmorized...and very, very lost. Luckily an electronic system was located nearby to direct her to the right floor-Floor 55: Medical Research Facility.

As Lydia rode the elevator to the 55th floor, she wonered why Alan would contact her direction after so many years. Technology kept them all connected but from a distance, which meant that she knew he was a big-shot scientist; she just didn't know what type of science he decided to dedicate his life to.

On the 55th floor, she found out that Alan's lab was Lab 48, one of many medical research labs located on the floor. As she wheeled into the lab, she came to a waiting room and checked in with the computer. As she looked around, she noticed she wasn't the only wheelchair-bound person in the lab. Her mind swam with possible scenarios, but she had very little time for her ideas to become plausible theories. Alan appeared, aged yet elated, before her, and she was immediately given a tour of the advanced lab before being led to Alan's office, a large office with a grand view of Metropolis below them.

"Alan, forgive me, but I'm still unsure of why I'm here," Lydia smiled nervously. "I'm proud of your work, and you lab is the most amazing thing I've ever seen, but I'd like to know what this all means."

Alan smiled, "I won't make you wait any longer, Lydia. I specialize in research for people like you, people whose disabilities were once permanent. Now, we have breakthrough treatments, one of which was just approved by the FDA. I'm ready and willing to give you the treatment for free."

"Why? I mean, it sounds so expensive, and truly, I'm happy with my condition. I wouldn't know how to walk if you snapped your fingers and cured me right now," she laughed.

"Which is to be expected," Alan nodded, a light smirk on his lips but his face still stern. "I am prepared to perform the procedure and see you through every moment of physical therapy. I want this for you, if you want this for yourself. I know it's not for everyone, but I felt you were a good candidate. And it's the least I could do after all you've done for me and our home community."

"I just...I'm shocked. No one's ever offered such a gift before, such a miracle!" she cried. "I need time to think. How soon do you need a response?"

"Take all the time you need," Alan assured her, helping her leave the office.

Lydia returned a day later. She had dreamed of walking and enjoyed the sensation, and the family members she spoke to felt she'd be crazy to reject the chance. So, everything was scheduled and performed, and it went smoothly.

The Lakewood Community Center was packed with former students. They were enjoying the changes to their old school, now a community gathering place, as well as the changes in each other.

But they were waiting for Lydia. Her story filled local social circles, and with Alan mingling nearby, they knew Lydia wouldn't be far behind.

Sure enough, the door opened. Heads turned to a red-headed fox as she walked into the room. It was Lydia, walking, and the crowd clapped on her behalf.

~End

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I completed this one-shot for a one-shot challenge I'm doing with TheUltimateCombo and others. If you would like more information or would like to join us, see our profiles for more information.