He was getting stronger every day. The doctors said so. All the little actions were paying off, the simple stretches, lifting the small weights. Miguel could feel his muscles regaining their former sturdiness.

But healing took time.

Walking was the biggest challenge. Even after all the exercises to strengthen his core, he couldn't last longer than a minute on the treadmill at a time.

An overwhelming feeling of failure would overcome him. Shame at having put his mother and grandma through this. Fear at not knowing if he'd ever be normal again.

And anxiety over his Sensei not being there.