Team8s and Counting

190. Time For an Upgrade

"Well, maybe something close," Needle said, amused. "We'll do some research and see what's out there. I bet there's something that would make things easier for you."

As the three of them made it back into the car, Dimey hoped right into his car seat, while Thread tried to transfer into her seat. As she was trying to make the transfer, she realized that the handles on her chair were extra wobbly.

"Woah!" She exclaimed.

Needle, who was watching her transfer, sat her back down in her chair and felt the handles herself. "You're right, these are quite wobbly." Needle picked up Thread, and placed her down in her seat. "I'm sorry about that, it seems like this chair is nearing the end of its days." Needle folded up the chair and placed it in the trunk.

"It's not fair mom." Thread said. "I want to be able to do things by myself, I don't want to rely on you or mom or dad all the time."

Needle nodded as she got into the driver's seat. "That is completely fair, Thread. You deserve to be independent, especially now that you're getting older."

Thread crossed her arms, staring out the window as Needle started the car. "I just hate feeling helpless," she muttered.

Needle sighed. Thread usually never let her wheelchair get to her, but she knew that it was time to start looking into a better one, since her old one seemed to be nearing the end of it's days. "We can talk to Mom and Dad once we get home, I promise. We're going to make sure that you don't have to deal getting stuck in the mud or anymore loose handles."

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Once the three of them got home, Dimey immediately ran inside the house jumping up and down.

"Mommy said I get to play big boy soccer!" He exclaimed, running around the living room.

"Big boy soccer?" Donut said, "What's different about big boy soccer?"

Dimey could hardly keep his composure. "In big boy soccer, we get to play on a big field with bigger nets, and then we also get to travel to different fields and play other towns!"

"Oh, so like a travel league?" Donut wanted to confirm.

Needle was pushing Thread through the door. "Yeah. It looks like more driving for me!"

"What's so bad about driving?" Barf Bag asked. "I drive like almost two hours to and from work every day, it's actually quite fun!"

Needle chuckled, setting her bag down. "I don't mind driving, but I think we'll have to see if Dimey really understands how much of a commitment this is. Travel teams are a lot of work."

"I'll work super hard! I promise!" Dimey declared, bouncing on his toes. "I wanna be the best player ever!"

Coiny, who was heading down from upstairs, smiled at Dimey. "That's the spirit, son. You are such a team player every time I get the chance to see you play."

Dimey nodded eagerly. "I know! Coach Pen says that all the time!"

Meanwhile, Thread rolled herself into the kitchen, quieter than usual. Pin, who was cleaning up in the kitchen, noticed and turned to Needle. "What's up with Thread?"

Needle sighed. "Her chair's giving her trouble. It got stuck in the mud today, and the handles are falling apart. She's frustrated because she wants to be more independent, but this chair isn't working for her anymore."

Pin looked down at Thread and took a hold of her hand. "That must be quite the struggle. Being more independent shouldn't be a lot to ask."

Thread nodded, gripping Pin's hand tightly. "I just don't want to have to keep relying on everyone all the time. I want to be able to do things on my own."