Part 1 - Finish Line Summary

In "The Running Game" by Wendelin Van Draanen, Jessica is hospitalized after an accident. A vehicle crashed into her bus after a track meet, and she is now missing one of her legs, below the knee.

Jessica feels as if her life is over. Her right leg is missing below her knee. The doctor comes in to check on her and he seems pleased with how her leg is healing. Her heart is breaking because she will never run again.

Jessica is a runner. She has been one since a race in third grade. It's what makes her feel alive and whole. Things are different now that she's stuck in bed with the knowledge that she won't ever run again.

Hank comes in to talk with Jessica about getting a prosthetic leg. She doesn't want to think...