Story

After weeks of intense work, Samantha had finally taken a day off. The reason? Visiting the newly opened park in the city center — a modern, green space full of attractions and open areas.

When she arrived, she was enchanted by the atmosphere: people walking, families having picnics, and even a bike rental station. Since she had always enjoyed riding bikes, she decided to give it a try.

After adjusting the seat and putting on the provided helmet, Samantha started pedaling along the park's bike paths. Everything was going well — wind on her face, nature all around — until, while trying to make a sharp turn near a downhill slope, she lost control. The front tire slipped on a puddle of water, and Samantha fell hard, twisting her foot on impact.

Scared and in pain, she was quickly assisted by two park security guards, who placed her in a wheelchair and took her to the entrance. There, an ambulance was already waiting, ready to take her to a hospital specialized in orthopedics.

At the hospital, a nurse promptly received her and wheeled Samantha — still in the wheelchair — to the emergency X-ray room. A few minutes later, with the scans in hand, she was taken to the orthopedic exam room.

During the consultation, the doctor asked Samantha to describe the accident. While listening, he carefully analyzed the X-ray until he pointed out a small fracture in the cuneiform bone of her foot.

It’s a small fracture, but it needs proper treatment, he explained. You’re going to need a cast for about 45 days.

Samantha was surprised. It was the first time she had really gotten hurt, and she had never worn a cast before. The idea made her nervous.

The nurse pushed her wheelchair to the entrance of the casting room, where Samantha waited. She observed other people going in normally and coming out with a cast on their foot or arm.

Anxious, she began to imagine what the process would be like for her. About 40 minutes later, the door suddenly opened.

Samantha, called the doctor.

A nurse pushed her chair into the room. Inside, the orthopedist greeted her with a kind smile.

First time getting a cast?

Yes, she replied, looking around at the tools in the room.

The doctor asked a few more questions, and she only answered with yes or no, still scanning the room nervously.

You can sit over there, he said, pointing to the exam table.

Samantha got up from the wheelchair and hopped on one leg to the table. The doctor measured her leg using stockinette and commented,

You’re tall, huh? How tall are you?

I'm 1.76 meters tall, she answered.

Then your cast will need to be a little more reinforced, he said playfully as he prepared the materials.

During the casting process, Samantha asked why her toes had to be left out. The doctor explained that it was to allow ventilation and to monitor circulation. She simply nodded, still a bit uneasy.

With the cast ready and dry, she was placed back in the wheelchair. Outside, her older sister was waiting for her.

When she saw Samantha with her leg in a cast, her sister laughed. At least your cast matches your pants, hahaha.

They both laughed. Her sister then helped her get to the parking lot and carefully settled Samantha into the passenger seat.

Some time later, they arrived at home. Her sister parked the car, walked around to the other side, and opened the door to help Samantha get out.