"'Cause - 'cause they're the only people who can help me, Mom says." It's a mumble, somewhat shamefaced; the other boy's easy confidence as he proclaims that doctors are useless is said with enough certainty to sway even that bastion of conviction that all children have, in regards to their mothers. She said they would help, and so she was right, because she had to be. He had to trust that, because grown-ups are always right.

He starts to follow, moving at a slow, hesitant step by step. His progress might be painful, but at least he's moving.