This choice: Enjoying Myself at the Party • Go Back...Chapter #6Enjoying Myself at the Beach by: BeeJay   As we drove, I asked Dr. Daniels, "What is the significance of this day? Why is it different from the Third or the Fifth?"
"That's simple enough," he replied. "This country began as a group of colonies, answering to the King of England. On this day, a formal declaration was issued: that we would no longer be British subjects, but a separate nation, governing itself."
"Mostly, though," Elizabeth said, "it's about having fun. I can't wait to hit the beach. I can almost hear the ocean calling my name: Come for a swim, Elizabeth; let my waves wash over you."
"Is learning how to swim difficult?" I asked.
"It takes time for humans to master it," Dr. Daniels answered. "However, I wouldn't recommend you trying, Bridget: After all, your titanium frame isn't designed for buoyancy."
"It seems a shame," I replied. "I was looking forward to learning to swim."
******************************
Once at the Jersey shore, Elizabeth and Lance went swimming, while I remained with my creators. I helped Dr. Daniels onto a beach towel, and Mrs. Daniels gave me a cream that would protect my synthetic skin, while looking like ordinary sunscreen. Many people were letting the sun's rays fall upon them, so I knew I wouldn't attract undue attention.
Observing the others having fun, a thought occurred to me. "May I ask a question?"
"Of course," Dr. Daniels replied. "The only way to learn is by asking. What is it you would like to know?"
"You are a brilliant man; could you not devise a means by which you may walk, like the other humans around us?"
"I probably could. But why? I don't much care for playing frisbee; and my chair lets me go almost anywhere I want to go."
"But would you not want to be like the others?"
"Bridget, one trait common to all people is a sense of individuality: We don't want to be just like everyone else. My chair makes me different from the others, and that isn't a bad thing. If I could walk again, I would be welcome in more places; but would they really be welcoming me, if they reject what makes me different? As a great philosopher put it: I refuse to join any organization that would have people like me as members."  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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