Chelsea in physical therapy.
Chelsea had graduated from muscle exercises to the parallel bars. It was time for her to start walking. Or at least, try to. She looked forward to the challenge as she maneuvered her wheelchair in front of the bars.
"Alrighty," Tabby, her trainer, said. "I want you to take this slow. First question, have you tried standing since recovering?"
Chelsea had, but only in ghost form. She wasn't sure how to answer. "Y-yes," she said.
"Excellent! How'd it go?" Tabby asked.
"I fell when I took a step," Chelsea said, feeling more comfortable. She could just pretend she had done it in her room.
"Did you have anyone or anything help prop you up, like these bars?"
"No," Chelsea said.
"There's your problem," Tabby said. "These bars will help keep you stable as you try to walk. I don't want you standing without someone or something to hold on to. Understand?"
Chelsea nodded.
"Good. Now, are you ready?" Tabby squealed, like she was the one about to walk for the first time in years.
Chelsea took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Yes!"
"Love the enthusiasm!" Tabby said. "You're going to grab hold of the bars and pull yourself up. I'll be here if you need any assistance."
"Okay," Chelsea said.
She gripped the bars, feeling sweat cover her hands, and lifted herself out of her wheelchair. The sensation of standing after so long sent a thrill of pleasure through her. Her legs wobbled, but the bars helped keep her up. Tiny flecks of static danced around her hands, and she stamped down her power.
"Excellent!" Tabby praised. "Now just stand there for a minute. Get used to the feeling. If you get tired, just sit back down."
"I want to walk," Chelsea said.
"I know, champ, but we gotta take it one step at a time." Tabby cocked her head. "So to speak."
Chelsea listened to her trainer and stood still. Her arms held most of her weight, and she experimentally transferred the balance to her legs. Her legs wobbled more, but she was still standing.
"You're doing excellent," Tabby said, keeping her arms ready to catch Chelsea. "Don't push yourself too hard."
"I'm fine," Chelsea said, her voice strained. After a moment, she had to sit.
"Good job!" Tabby said. "You stood for a long time! How much have you tried standing before?"
"Not much," Chelsea said. Maybe her ghost power helped keep her on her feet for so long.
"Then I guess our prep work has really paid off," Tabby said enthusiastically. "How are you feeling? Do you think you can stand again, or do you need to stop?"
Chelsea smiled. "I can stand again!"
"Great! Let's do it!"