I hate school. Like any typical teenage girl, I loathe the idea of waking up and attending classes. But now it feels even worse. I detest the piercing stares from classmates as soon as my mom drops me off. Everything about my new life ticks my nerves.

It's been almost two years since my life was turned upside down, both physically and metaphorically. A drunken driver crashed into me, altering my life that night. Since then, I've grappled with the challenges of adjusting to a new reality, navigating the stares and whispers of those around me, and coping with the physical and emotional scars left by the accident. Every day is a battle, but I refuse to let tragedy define me.

My mom has been my support system since day one. As a single mother working as a nurse, she sacrifices sleep to align her schedule with my needs. But the day I ended up motionless on the ER table at her hospital shattered her world. Seeing me in such a vulnerable state was gut-wrenching, forever ingrained in her memory as the worst day of her life. Despite the pain, my mom remains resilient, channeling her strength into caring for me and giving me the support and love I need.

Our relationship has been up and down since the accident. I've become more introverted, withdrawing myself as I struggle to cope with the aftermath. Meanwhile, my mom, determined to support me through this difficult time, works tirelessly to meet my needs and bring normalcy back into our lives. One Christmas, she decided to buy me a brand-new set of Goliath VR glasses, hoping to provide me with a source of joy and escape from the harsh realities of my daily existence.

The Goliath VR glasses weren't just another gadget—they were a breakthrough, a miracle of modern technology. Slipping them on, you weren't simply playing a game or watching a simulation. These glasses transformed your mind, immersing you fully in a virtual reality where anything became possible. Age, illness, and physical limitations vanished as the glasses mapped your thoughts, memories, and even your deepest emotions into the virtual world. I didn't understand the technology, but I knew how amazing they were.

People of all ages flocked to this invention, whether to relive their youth, escape reality for a while, or explore the boundless worlds they could create. The Goliath VR glasses had become more than a tool; they were a doorway to new beginnings, to dreams fulfilled, and to lives lived without the constraints of the physical world. They were, in a modern-day miracle.

I downloaded the game "Odyssey," a first-person adventure set in the imaginary city of Las Mariposas. It offered me an escape from reality. In Odyssey, I could be anyone I wanted to be. It became my sanctuary, a place where I could forget my physical limitations and immerse myself in endless possibilities. For me, Odyssey wasn't just a game; it was a lifeline.

As my mom parks in the handicap spot, I spot Olivia Le, a tall, dark-haired Vietnamese girl, leaning against a nearby tree. Clad in blue jeans, a Nirvana t-shirt, and purple Converse sneakers, she feels like the coolest girl at school. Olivia and I have been friends since childhood, bonding over tv shows, sports, and stupid little crushes. Olivia is a kind soul that I will always be thankful for.

I open the door and press the button next to it, to extend a metallic ramp onto the street. I hate this ramp, dubbing it "2 Seconds to Hell" for the brief but uncomfortable transition it represents. Each time I use it, I feel exposed and vulnerable, aware of the stares from my fellow classmates.

"So, I'll pick you up at 4:30. Same spot," my mom says.

"I know, mom," I responded, a hint of annoyance in my voice.

As we finish our conversation, Olivia approaches. With a warm smile, she greets me, her presence bringing comfort amidst the tension.

"Sup G. Hey Ms. Anderson," says Olivia.

"Hey Olivia. How are you this morning?" my mom asks.

"I actually remembered to do my calculus homework this morning, so I am great."

Olivia grabs my backpack from the car and puts it on the back of my wheelchair.

"I'll see you later, Ms. Anderson."

"Goodbye, girls," my mom says softly, her gaze lingering on Olivia and me as we make our way across the street towards the courtyard of Bowie High School.

Olivia pushes me along, she points out the flashing lights hanging from the courtyard trees. Their colorful glow adds a festive touch to the school's surroundings.

"What's going on?" I ask, my curiosity piqued as we drew nearer to the courtyard.

"They can add lights to the trees, but they can't add soap to the girls' restroom," Olivia exclaims.

"I don't think they can add soap to any restroom," I reply.

We both giggle at the true but ridiculous fact. I always feel comfortable around Olivia. After the accident, she was the first friend to visit me in the hospital. She didn't want to leave my side. I'm always thankful for Olivia being my closest friend, her unwavering support as a beacon of light during my darkest moments.

We enter our first classroom. Astronomy class is our favorite, and we're eager to immerse ourselves in the wonders of the cosmos. Mr. Odell's relaxed demeanor always makes the subject even more enjoyable. Olivia and I find our usual seats in the middle of the classroom, exchanging excited whispers as we settle in. Just then, the morning bells chime, signaling the start of another school day. As Principal Howser's voice fills the room with the morning announcements, we brace ourselves for the day's events.

"Good morning, students. Today is Tuesday, April 10th. There is a baseball game and a softball game scheduled at our fields. Both teams will be facing off against the Anderson Cavaliers, so let's show our support for our boys' and girls' teams."

Olivia pulls out her laptop from her backpack and hands one earbud to me. Together, we watch our favorite show, "The Office," while the morning announcements continue blaring through the PA system.

"Seniors! Don't forget to order your graduation pictures. Last day to order will be April 24th."

Olivia looks over at me. "Did you ever take grad pics?"

"I did. I just didn't like them."

"Aww, Gracie. I know you look amazing in them."

"I know. I look really good in black," I say, pointing at my wheelchair.

We share a laugh, our spirits lifted by the light-hearted moment amidst the morning announcements.

"And last but not least, Prom!"

I rolled my eyes and groaned.

"Please don't forget to vote for your Prom King and Queen. Voting ends this Friday. Also, remember that prom will be next Saturday, April 21st."

"Don't forget to vote for me," Olivia jokes, striking her favorite poses.

I laugh at her ridiculous display. Olivia's been nominated for prom queen by our classmates. Known for her intelligence, kindness, and sweet nature, she's a favorite among our peers.

"Have you made up your mind about Prom? I'd love for you to come," Olivia points out.

"I know, Liv. I'm just undecided, that's all."

"You can always come with me. I'll be your date."

"Abel already asked you to prom. I don't think I wanna be a third wheel," I point out, gesturing to my wheelchair. "Well, technically two wheels," I laugh at my own bad joke. My sense of humor was the only thing that didn't change since my accident.

The announcements end over the loudspeaker. Mr. Odell stands up in class, taking a stack of papers and handing one to each of us.

"Alright, everyone, today we're going to review our last quiz on celestial bodies," Mr. Odell announces, catching the attention of the class.

Olivia and I diligently tackle our assignments. When the bell rings after 45 minutes, she helps me navigate to my next class, History, before heading off to her own. I settle into my desk, ready to begin another class, even though I hate going to history.

I can't shake off the feeling of unease every time I see Sabrina Rose. Sabrina used to be my best friend before the accident. We were so close, but after the accident, things changed. She tried to be supportive, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of bitterness. I miss our old friendship, but now it feels like a distant memory, clouded by the weight of my disability.

I can't help but steal a glance at Sabrina, who sits a few desks away. Her brunette hair always looks perfect and how she uses her bangs to cover a scar she received in the accident. I also noticed the long white scar across her right arm that flows from her wrist all the way to her elbow. I know she blames herself for the accident, even if she's never said it outright. The guilt hangs between us, unspoken and present.

"Hi, Gracie," she says, giving a soft wave.

I don't look up, my eyes glued to my textbook. I don't hate Sabrina. I just don't know how to face her anymore. The weight of everything we've been through, everything we've lost, keeps me silent. Our friendship feels fractured, maybe beyond repair.

After a few more periods, it was finally lunchtime. Olivia comes to pick me up, and we head to the courtyard, finding a spot on some benches. Joining us are our friends Abel, Olivia's prom date, and Justin, the boy I often turn to for math homework help. Abel, tall and easygoing, always has a smile on his face, with a relaxed charm that makes him likable. His laid-back style—usually a hoodie and jeans—gives off a vibe that he's ready for anything, but never in a rush. Justin, on the other hand, is quieter, with sharp eyes behind his glasses that seem to catch every detail. He's kinda dorky. The type of guy who's always prepared, his backpack packed with neatly organized notes. Even though he's more reserved, his dry sense of humor often catches me off guard, making me laugh when I least expect it.

As we settle in, the group shares stories about their day and discusses plans for the upcoming weekend.

"Hey, did you hear about Matthew Milroy? Supposedly, he's got some modeling gig with this sunscreen company. Man doesn't know when to give it a rest," Abel announces to the group as we chat during lunch.

"The biggest douche in the school spreading his abs for sunscreen. Trust me, somebody probably wants to see that, but not us," Olivia announces, expressing her disdain.

"Too bad that douche is a heck of a Call of Duty player. Gotta run squads with him," Justin points out.

"You boys and your games," Olivia rebuts.

"Gracie is always playing Odyssey. I see you online every night," Abel remarks, teasing me.

"Because I suck at Call of Duty, Fortnite, and those sports games you guys always play," I acknowledge.

Justin pulls out his new Goliath VR glasses, boasting about their sleek design. I admire the smaller, more casual look compared to my own bulky headset.

"Do you still play on those big goggles, Gracie?" Justin asks, teasing me.

"Yes. It may give me raccoon eyes when I take them off. But I like them."

"These are the latest Goliath VR glasses. A lot quicker. Less laggy. And more storage," Justin explains, showing off his new glasses.

"So you're gonna give them to me as a graduation present?" I joke, laughing lightly.

"All I'm asking, Gracie, is let's play sometime. Just join our lobby."

"Come play Odyssey and I will. That's my game. Or maybe Minecraft. I'm always down to build."

Justin rolls his eyes and puts his Goliath glasses away. "I'll think about it."

We continued to eat our lunch, talking about our lives and favorite topics for the next 45 minutes. When the bell rang, Justin escorted me to our Algebra class.

After a few more classes, the day came to an end. Olivia and I headed over to the handicap spots where Mom was waiting for us.

"Hey girls, how was school?" Mom greeted us with a playful smile.

"Good, Ms. Anderson. How was your nap?" Olivia teased, a playful twinkle in her eye.

"Not long enough," she chuckled in response.

I wheeled myself into the car, and Olivia settled in beside me, placing her backpack nearby.

"I'm going prom dress shopping tomorrow with my mom. You're always invited," Olivia offered.

"Thanks, Olivia. I'll text you," I replied gratefully.

With a wave, Olivia closed the door and set off, leaving Mom and me to begin our journey home. As we drove, she glanced at me.

"How was your day, honey?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine care.

I shrugged, staring out the window. "Same old, nothing new," I replied, my tone distant.

"Well, we're almost home. Hopefully, dinner can make you happy."

"Dinner always makes me happy, Mom."