Progressive 05
I’ll Run Again
The morning air was cold as Jessica sat by her best friend Claire’s hospital bed. Claire was very sick, and Jessica held her hand tightly.
“Jess,” Claire whispered, “you don’t have to come every day. It is hard for you.”
Jessica shook her head. “You are my best friend, Claire. I have to be here.”
A nurse came in. “The doctor will see you soon,” she said. Then she left.
Jessica looked at Claire and said angrily, “It is not fair. You should not have to choose between getting better and paying for treatment.”
Claire’s eyes filled with tears. “I sold my car, my furniture, even my apartment. But it is still not enough. They say I only have a few months unless I start treatment.”
Jessica clenched her fists. “You will get the treatment. I will find a way.”
At home, Jessica thought about running. She had always loved to run. Running made her strong and gave her hope. She looked online for races with prize money. She signed up for many marathons. The money could help Claire pay for treatment.
The next morning, Jessica told her parents. “Five marathons in three months? That is too much,” her father said. “You are not ready.”
“I am alive, Dad. And I will run for Claire,” Jessica said.
Her mother held her hand. “We are proud of you, but this is dangerous.”
Jessica trained hard. She woke early every day. She ran many kilometers. She worked extra hours to pay the entry fees. She visited Claire every evening and told her about the races.
“You are crazy,” Claire said one day. She smiled faintly.
“You will love it when I finish the first race,” Jessica said.
The first marathon was very hard. Jessica’s legs hurt, but she thought of Claire and kept running. She crossed the finish line and whispered, “This is for you, Claire.”
The other marathons were harder. Her feet hurt. Her knees ached. Her father told her to stop, but Jessica said, “Not until Claire is better. I will run again.”
The last marathon was the most difficult. Jessica felt tired, but she imagined Claire healthy and smiling. She ran as fast as she could and crossed the finish line.
The next day, she gave the prize money to the hospital. “This will pay for Claire’s treatment, right?”
“Yes,” said the administrator.
Jessica ran to Claire’s room. Claire smiled. “You did it. You saved me.”
Jessica smiled. “I told you. I will run again, as long as you need me.”
Comprehension Questions
Why did Jessica visit Claire in the hospital every day?
What did Jessica plan to do to get money for Claire’s treatment?
How did Jessica’s parents react to her plan?
How did Jessica feel during the marathons?
What happened at the end of the story?
Your Thoughts
Would you do something difficult to help a friend? Why or why not?
How does Jessica’s determination help Claire?
What can this story teach about facing challenges in life?
