Wheelie

The fluorescent lights of the shopping mall buzzed overhead, the J-pop from the fashion store thumping like a heartbeat. Mei’s wheelchair gleamed under the glow, its leopard print cushion a bold slash of rebellion against her school uniform's dress shirt and pleated grey skirt. Her loose, bunched socks slid further down her ankles as she rocked back, gripping the wheels with practiced ease. Come on, Rina, where are you? Boredom itched at her, and the open stretch of polished floor was too tempting to resist.

She rolled back, then pushed hard, lifting the front wheels off the ground. The chair teetered, her body leaning into the balance, skirt fluttering slightly as she held the wheelie. A small grin tugged at her lips, nailed it. She wobbled, adjusting her weight, the chair’s frame creaking faintly. A kid nearby pointed, whispering to his mom, but Mei didn’t care. Let them stare. This was her stage.

The rhythmic click-clack of metal crutches cut through the mall’s hum. Rina’s eyes widened, catching Mei midwheelie, front wheels high in the air like a stunt rider. “Yo, Mei! That’s sick!” Rina’s voice carried a mix of awe and mischief. She stopped, planting one crutch firmly to steady herself, her grin wide. “Hold that! I’m getting a pic!”

Mei’s laugh bubbled up, bright and unfiltered. “You better make me look cool, loser!” She leaned back further, core tight to keep the balance, and flashed a peace sign with one hand, fingers sharp and confident. Her dark eyes sparkled with playful defiance, the wheelie making her the center of the mall’s orbit.

Rina fumbled for her phone, nearly dropping a crutch in her haste. “Don’t move, don’t you dare move!” She raised the phone, framing the shot, Mei’s chair tilted back, leopard print blazing, peace sign bold against the mall’s sterile glow. The shutter clicked, capturing the moment.

“Got it!” Rina crowed, hobbling closer to show Mei the screen. “Look at you, total badass.”

Mei let the front wheels drop with a soft thud, spinning her chair to peek at the photo. “Not bad. But next time, you’re doing a crutch stand for the ‘gram.” Her smirk was all challenge, daring Rina to top her.

Rina snorted, leaning her chin on Mei’s shoulder, their closeness as natural as breathing. “Deal. But first, eyelash extensions. I saw ‘em online, they’re wild.”

Mei twisted her wheel, already rolling toward the store. “Race you there, cripple style.”

“You’re so on,” Rina shot back, crutches clicking as she kept pace, their laughter echoing through the mall’s buzz.