Masami: The Day School Begins
by Pekka

Today is the day when school begins. In the morning, as usual, I am here in my uniform; middy blouse with short sleeves and dark-blue pleated skirt. But the biggest difference is that I have no arms any more...

It was at the end of last semester. Until then I had been an ordinary girl, who was good at cooking, sewing, sporting, and had many friends. But one day, I was diagnosed as osteosarcoma. The only way left for me was to amputate both of my arms.

It was so tough at first. There was nothing I could do myself: for eating, for changing clothes, and for even going to the bathroom did I need help of other people. Using feet as hands was too difficult for me at that time. There were many things I wanted to do, but I could do nothing of them. Can you imagine how humiliating it was? By degrees I got more and more depressed. 

But I was changed. Yes, it was during my second stay in hospital. I made promise with her... In order to keep this promise shall I live for the rest of my life.

Since I left hospital, I made every effort in rehabilitation. It was no easy matter. 14-year-old body of mine had very hard time in learning new ways of use.

Now I can feed myself. Changing and bathroom are also OK. I even manage to write letters with feet. This is the result of my effort.

But to tell the truth, I am nervous at this moment. Though I had ever met my teacher, what will my friends think of me? Will they be good friends as before? Will some students treat me? Will I be able to keep up with lectures?

I look at myself in the mirror and find myself completely helpless, and sigh at the sight. But it cannot be helped. This is what it really is.

I closed my eyes for a while, and remembered all the hardship I overcame. And I'll be always with her. "I'll be strong. I can do it!" 
Then I opened my eyes and decided to go to school.


 

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