A Work in Progress

Will wakes up briefly. He’s in his bed at home with a huge bump on the back of his head. His mom helps him drink water, and he goes back to sleep.

When Will wakes up again, he looks around at the familiar items in his room. His body feels “like one / big bruise” (288). He starts to remember everything that led up to his accident. He is suddenly afraid of himself but appreciates that he is alive.

He finds his parents in the kitchen. His mom holds him, and his dad kisses the side of his head. The feeling of his parents’ embrace makes him cry intensely. Afterward, they sit at the table. Will’s parents wait for him to speak. Eventually, he tells them everything he can about why he doesn’t “like being me” (297). He tells them all the events his diary has covered thus far.

After talking, he is nervous and relieved. He lets them ask any questions they want and answers them all.

Will is back upstairs when someone knocks on the front door. It is Markus, who has two skateboards. Will goes outside with him, and Markus gives him one of the skateboards.

Will protests, saying he has never skateboarded.