I rode the bus alone and bought peaches

Dear Delyara, I had a stroke eleven months ago. For most of the year, every trip outside required my husband, a cane, a list of medications, and a plan for what to do if my speech failed. Today, I rode the number 16 bus alone. My occupational therapist had practiced the route with me three times. I carried the address in my pocket, even though I knew it. At the market, I bought four peaches and counted the change slowly while the cashier waited without rushing me. On the return trip, I missed my stop and felt panic rising, but I asked the driver for help instead of calling my husband. He told me where to get off and transfer. I made it home forty minutes late. My husband was standing by the window, trying not to look worried. I placed the peaches on the table and said, “I got lost, and I still came home.” We ate one over the sink because it was too ripe. Juice ran down my wrist. It was the sweetest thing I have tasted since the stroke.