The Running Dream

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Part 3, Chapters 19-21Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3, Chapter 19 Summary

Jessica’s teammates surround her when she arrives, and when she shows them her leg, they react similarly to Fiona. The girls are horrified that it doesn’t look like a real leg, and the boys think it’s incredibly cool. Although the students are staying busy during the event, Jessica realizes that the only people attending are her teammates’ families. Then two boys on the team suggest that Jessica stand in her shorts with them as they hold signs and try to get people to stop and donate.

At first, Jessica is appalled by this idea because she would be “a freak show!” (190). But the boys insist that if more people see her, they will remember the accident and want to help her out. Eventually, Fiona and the other students convince Jessica to swallow her pride, grab a sign, and stand at the side of the road.

Part 3, Chapter 20 Summary

The plan works, and many people stop by to donate money and talk to Jessica. She is amazed by all the personal stories they tell about friends and family who have lost limbs and even gamely listens to the stories she deems the “gruesome ones” (193). But she is far more embarrassed to see Gavin show up at the event than she is standing on the side of the road with her fake leg exposed. Gavin’s loving gestures toward Merryl stir jealousy in Jessica, who wonders if any guy will ever want her.

Gavin runs across the street with a camera to take pictures, presumably for the school newspaper. Jessica is angry about this action, but Fiona tells her that it will help bring in more donations. After he takes the pictures, Gavin runs to his car and leaves. Jessica decides that she will find him at school Monday and demand that he not use the photos from the car wash.

Part 3, Chapter 21 Summary

The car wash and bake sale bring in almost $900.00, which is very impressive to Jessica’s father. He drives her home, and she quickly realizes her body is tired and sore; she has overdone it, standing all morning. That night, Jessica has the running dream again, only this time she finds herself trying to keep up with Sherlock, but “clomping” (197) instead of running. She dreams that she is running on her prosthetic pipe, only to awaken with a start when her mom sits on the end of the bed.

Fiona has called, and she wants Jessica to look at the newspaper. Jessica’s mother finds the community section and opens it to see a large picture of Jessica holding up her sign at the car wash: “I WANT TO RUN AGAIN” (199). Astonished, Jessica and her mother read the article, written by Gavin, which outlines what happened to Jessica, celebrates her talent and spirit, and provides donation information for those who want to help.

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Moved by the article, Jessica’s mother tells her to call Gavin and thank him for writing the piece. She takes the article out to Jessica’s father, leaving Jessica in her room trying to sort out her feelings for Gavin.

Part 3, Chapters 19-21 Analysis

Jessica attends and even participates in the track team’s fundraiser. When the attendance is dominated by track family members only, some of Jessica’s teammates ask her to pick up a sign, wear her shorts, and stand by the side of the road. Although she is embarrassed, Jessica admits that it gets the fundraiser more attention and more donations. Despite the uptick, Jessica still feels down; she sees Gavin there with Merryl, and wonders if any guy will ever like her.

Gavin suddenly runs across the street to snap some pictures, then takes off in his car. Angry, Jessica is determined to find him Monday at school and tell him to get rid of the photos. But the next morning, there is an extensive article on Jessica in the community section of the town’s newspaper. The article is written by Gavin and praises Jessica’s determination and guts, and provides contact information for people who want to donate to help her run again. Overwhelmed by the article, Jessica tries to figure out how she feels about Gavin now.