Wish I had an alter ego sometimes. But it’s hard to invent one when you’ve lived the same place your whole life, and everybody knows you down to the bone.

I’ve got three new customer reviews—five stars. The best one is from NotYourPrairiePrincess04.

Purchased from HalfpipeEmms on August 25

Armrest bag, small with ribbon ties

This was my first order from Emmie but not the last! My new bag fits perfectly over my armrest, doesn’t get tangled in my spokes or get in the way. Plus, AVENGERS???!!! My mom took my brother and me to Fargo last week for school shopping and TWO random people came up to me—and not to ask what happened to me! One was wearing Iron Man earrings and one had a Captain America hat. They just wanted to geek out over my bag. Thanks a million, Emmie.

Best. Review. Ever.

When I’ve added up my earnings, I color in my wall chart up to the $2,025 mark. Progress is slow, but steady. I think about Prairie Princess (her real name is Jewel) again and how my simple little bag started up a conversation with two strangers that wasn’t about her wheels. I totally get how cool it is when that happens.

I wonder if she has to have an aide at school.

Thinking about that buries my slightly happier mood like sand on a campfire. It’s hard to explain why I’m so mad without sounding like a jerk. I know aides are important—and some kids really need them at school. Like Demarion, whose arms and legs are paralyzed. Or Rodney, who had a bad head injury three years ago. Or Kimmy or Lavardis or Rhianna—or plenty of other kids.

I needed one, too, when I was little. But now I can do just about everything for myself—I have for years. All I need these days are my wheels and for people to not get in my way.

A better ramp or more accessible bathrooms at school wouldn’t hurt, either.

I look down at my new armrest bag Devontae noticed this morning. Before the day went south, I felt tingly all over when I saw him waiting near my locker. I untie the bag, flip it over, and read the secret, salty words I sewed on the back in silver thread. Words more deep-down honest than I could ever say. I hope AK_SalmonGranny likes her sassy new bag, too.

After working on orders a little longer, I do a good enough job on my homework and then switch back to WCMX videos while I make dinner and rehearse the Very Mature Speech I’ll give Dad when he gets home, so we can head back to school and sort this all out ASAP.

I hear Dad’s truck pull in around seven, but he goes straight to the shop instead of coming inside, which means he’s got a job to finish. So I spend another hour designing more bags—simple, straightforward patterns with basic trim. I make them reversible, and on one side of each one I embroider a saying. I don’t use any cusswords this time, but every bag I make tonight gets a tiny dose of sass.