"We are going to need to keep it over the weekend and should have the issue resolved by Monday." The rep said.
"I have a class on Saturday," I said, referring to the college course I was taking.
"We have a rental wheelchair available," the rep offered.
They brought out an oversized electric monster of a wheelchair. The seat was like a car seat, much too large for me. The upholstery had rips in it, but the seat itself was fairly comfortable. The control panel looked like a video game pad with its large colorful buttons and oversized joystick. The whole wheelchair was covered in dust. I watched as the rep's assistant made a half-assed attempt at dusting it off.
What service.
I climbed into the wheelchair. They showed me all of the features. I turned on the wheelchair and pushed the joystick forward. I suppose I ought to have turned the speed down, because I lurched forward and into the wall. Fortunately, I wasn't hurt.
"Wow, it has a boost," I said, laughing.
I drove around the office for while, learning how to manage the controls, speed and turns. There were two particular features I really loved; the headlights and the chair lift.
"If this wheelchair wasn't so large, I'd say let's trade," I exclaimed, after raising myself at eye-level with the rep.
"You're finally the same height as everyone else," my dad laughed.
"I definitely wouldn't have to stand on my wheelchair anymore," I beamed.
The rest of the weekend was spent crashing into furniture, taking out corners of walls and getting stuck every time I accidentally ran off the sidewalk (thankfully I had a friend to assist me). The rental wheelchair was fun, but I was happy when my wheelchair was returned to me.
"You may not have cool features like the other wheelchair," I said, patting its control pad, "but I'm glad you're my wheelchair."
And yes, I talk to my wheelchair.
