She could walk a short distance with assistance, although she tired quickly and sometimes became dizzy.

The pregnancy remained under close observation.

Dr.

Shah explained each reassuring result as carefully as she explained each risk, never allowing us to confuse progress with a guarantee.

One afternoon the therapist asked Chloe to practice stepping over a low foam block.

Chloe tried twice, then sat down in frustration.

“I used to run five miles,” she said.

“Now everybody applauds when I cross a room.”