Change
The frame sat on my nightstand, a haunting reminder of a life that no longer felt like mine. In the picture, a man and a boy smiled proudly, a freshly caught fish held between them. The boy was me—before everything changed. Before the machine rewrote my very existence. Now, that moment was a ghost, lingering in my thoughts, unreachable and irretrievable.
I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, tears slipping silently down my cheeks. The casts on my legs felt heavier than ever, their weight more symbolic than physical. I felt trapped—not just by my injuries but by the storm of emotions swirling inside me. I was no longer the boy in that photo. I wasn’t even sure who I was anymore.
The day passed in a blur. Mom tried to lift my spirits, suggesting a trip to the mall, and though I usually hated shopping, I found myself agreeing. Maybe a change of scenery would help. Jessica, always eager for an excuse to go out, jumped at the chance to join us.
The mall buzzed with life, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the clatter of footsteps. Jessica darted ahead, her excitement palpable, while Mom and I trailed behind. As we passed Macy’s, something caught my eye—a dress in the window, shimmering and delicate. The sight of it stirred something unfamiliar in me, a flicker of longing that felt both thrilling and unsettling.
"Mom, can we look at that dress?" I asked, the words surprising even me. She smiled and nodded, but before we could approach the store, a familiar voice called out.
“Jamie!”
I turned to see Tony walking toward us, his mother close behind. His presence instantly brightened my mood. “Tony!” I waved, and he grinned, asking his mom if he could join us.
With the adults chatting behind us, Tony, Jessica, and I wandered through the mall together. We laughed and talked, the heaviness in my chest easing for the first time in days. Then Tony stopped suddenly, his expression serious.
“I’ve been thinking about what you asked me,” he said, looking straight at me.
My stomach flipped. “You mean…”
He nodded. “Jamie, I’m glad you’re my girlfriend?”
My breath hitched, tears springing to my eyes—not from sadness, but from a deep, inexplicable happiness. He hugged me tightly. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in the middle of the bustling mall.
We eventually made our way to Claire’s, where Mom had a surprise waiting. “Jamie, I think it’s time for your first set of earrings,” she announced, pointing to a sign advertising ear piercings. My stomach twisted with nerves, but before I could respond, Tony’s mom chimed in.
“Tony, you should get yours done too!”
“What?” Tony protested, but his mother waved him off.
“Lots of boys wear earrings these days,” she said. “You’ll look great.”
I laughed nervously, and Tony shrugged. “Fine. But if I do it, you can’t chicken out, Jamie.”
Challenge accepted.
Tony went first, wincing slightly but playing it cool as the piercer worked. When it was my turn, I sat stiffly in the chair, my heart racing. The piercer marked my ears, her hands steady as she lined up the piercing tool. “Ready?” she asked.
I nodded, squeezing my eyes shut. A quick snap, and it was over. The sting was sharp but fleeting. When I opened my eyes, I saw two tiny pink flowers with sparkling centers in my ears. Despite the brief pain, I couldn’t help but smile. I felt… different. In a good way.
Afterward, we stopped for lunch at Pizza Lucé. The conversation was light and cheerful, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something about the day felt strange, like a puzzle piece was missing. That feeling only grew when we returned home.
As soon as we arrived, Tony and I ran inside to pick a movie while Mom and Tony’s mom stayed outside, chatting on the porch swing. After a few minutes, Tony asked for popcorn, so I went to ask Mom.
When I reached the door and peeked outside, I froze. The porch was quiet, the rocking bench swaying gently. My mom and Tony’s mom sat close together, their heads bent as they whispered. Then, without warning, Mom leaned in, and their lips met in a soft kiss.
I stepped back, my heart pounding. A thousand questions raced through my mind, but one stood out above the rest.
What else don’t I know?
I returned to the living room in a daze, my hands trembling as I handed Tony the popcorn. “You okay?” he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
“Yeah,” I lied, forcing a smile. “Just tired.”
We started the movie, but I couldn’t focus. My mind kept returning to the image of my mom and Tony’s mom, the kiss, the secrecy. Something was shifting—something big—and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the answers waiting just below the surface.
