Training Wheels

The bright beams of the sun seem to only cause an annoyance, blinding Peter as he mounts his bike. Agitated but determined, he narrows his eyes as he’s about to attempt his first time riding a bike with no training wheels. He places his foot on the pedal trying to find his balance, readying himself to conquer his deepest feat. In one swift motion, Peter pushes off his back foot and is now in motion. It’s as if he is walking across a tightrope, one wrong move can be his demise. Finding his rhythm, swaying his shoulders left to right, pedaling both legs in unison, he not only continues his motion but maintains it. After managing to control his movement for what seems to be eternity, Peter throws his hands up in triumph, yelling “I told you dad! I told you I could do it!” The day fades to darkness leaving Peter confused, “Dad, dad, are you proud of me?” 

Awakening, Peter short of breath and wide eyed, as he scans the surroundings of his room to only find it was just a dream. Peter, frustrated by his dream, propels himself back into his bed as he lets out a breath vehemently. Looking up at the ceiling Peter can only stare as the images from the dream slowly evade his memory, as he tries to relish the fabricated experience, wishing it to be real. As Peter’s dad pokes his head through the door his tone is positive and exuberant. “Hey Peter, ready for another day of training?” Peter is flustered by his dads repetition and continuance of support. Peter’s dad awaiting a response as Peter is able to muster an “I guess so.” Peter’s dad enthusiastically responds, “great I’ll make you some breakfast, be ready in twenty minutes.” As his dad disappears from the doorway, Peter drags himself out of bed, still reminiscent of the dream, and proceeds to put on some clothes. 

He makes his way down the stairs to the dining room. The house is essentially empty, his mother and sister, Bianca, are absent as usual. Enjoying the presence of one another, leaving Peter and his dad to themselves. Peter has always been attached to his mom and seen his dad as an outcast, for he is always working and doesn’t have an adequate amount of time to spend with Peter. Nonetheless, it is summer time, therefore Peter’s dad made sure to take time off work to have time to spend with his son. Peter’s dad gestures for him to sit down as he says “have a seat kiddo, I made some bacon and eggs.” Peter, with no response, sits down to a plate full of eggs and crispy, sizzling bacon. He begins to pick at his food while his dad tries to start the conversation by asking “how he’s been enjoying his time off school,” and “how is he liking riding the bike.” Peter replies with one word answers like “good” and “okay”, rejecting any social connection and intimacy within the conversation. His dad tries to maintain the same tone in his voice, when saying “that’s great.” Then they both resort to eating as a way to avoid each other’s presence. No more words are spoken until Peter gets up to put his dish away. “Why didn’t you finish your eggs?” his dad asks. Peter responds “I’m full” as he places his plate by the sink. As he makes his way to the stairs to his dad asks, “are you up for more bicycle training today? Your mom told me you want to learn how to ride a bike, I can help teach you.” “Sure...” Peter replies. His dad surprised by his answer gets up from the table grinning, “great go up stairs and get ready I’ll meet you in the garage.” Peter still skeptical of this whole scenario, proceeds up the stairs and prepares to get ready. He puts on his shin guards and elbow pads and made his way down to the garage. There he was greeted by his smiling dad who handed him his helmet. “You don’t have to wear those elbow and shin pads if you don’t want to, I remember when I was a kid I hated wearing those.” Peter’s dad says while letting out a chuckle. “Mom tells me I should wear them to be safe.” Peter responds. His dad replies while laughing nervously, “that’s right, listen to your mother, not me.” Peter puts on his helmet while his dad open the garage door. They head outside, and walk towards their back alley. It’s a narrow and confined space but considerably long, making it a good place for practicing riding a bike. 

As Peter walks his bike out into the alley, his dad is close behind him following. Peter proceeds to get onto his bike but is interrupted by his dad. “Woah, calm down there, you don’t just simply get on the bike when learning how to ride it. You need to get yourself in the right starting position and mental state before you even think about jumping onto that bike.” Peter’s dad goes on to show him the correct way to mount the bike and gives tips on the proper way to balance while riding a bike. Peter shows frustration and impatience, ignorant of his dad’s guidance and advice. He pretends to listen to what his dad is saying but only wants to get on his bike and go. His dad finally asks “do you think you’re ready now?” “Yes ready as ever dad” Peter answers arrogantly. “Great let’s see it.” Peter’s dad takes a step back to observe his son. Surprised, Peter asks “you’re not going to help me?” “Nope” his dad replies. Peter hesitant to ride his bike, slowly readies himself, he thinks back to the dream. One foot on the ground the other on the pedal. Narrowing his eyes, loading up on his off foot, he pushes himself and propels himself into motion, but that motion is shortly lived after the bike tilts to one side and Peter falls with it. Peter shows anguish by wincing in pain, his dad appears unbothered when helping him up. “So here is what you need to adjust…” as Peter’s dad is critiquing his mistakes, this time Peter is more attentive while being given advice. “Okay, this time I’m going to help you, I’ll give you support by holding the bottom of your seat while you pedal. Now let’s try it.” Peter’s dad’s enthusiasm and positivity is starting to rub onto Peter. Peter quickly mounts his bike with the support of his dad. “Ready, go!” commands Peter’s dad. Off they go, Peter pedaling, and his dad providing support. They manage to reach the end of the alley and stop. “Okay this time, I’m going to give you less help, you ready?” says Peter’s dad. Peter shakes his head and pushes off, he’s starting to get the hang of it. His dad still giving support when needed but Peter is looking remarkably better. “Stop helping!” Peter yells. His dad listens to his command, Peter manages three cycles of pedaling before tipping over the same side as earlier and falling. Peter defeated and disappointed let’s out a huff of breath. His dad is there to pick him up again. His dad tries to explain the reason behind his deficiencies by saying “you can’t learn that fast, Peter.” “Why not” Peter asks. “Because it takes time and experience to learn and be exceptionally good at anything, not just riding a bike” his dad exclaims. Peter begins walking back to the house but his dad stops him and says “you can’t quit, you’re so close Peter, I didn’t raise you to be a quitter.” Peter realizes his dad is right, as he turns around without saying anything, picks up his bike from off the ground and instantly pushes himself into motion as he begins to pedal. He’s successful in maintaining his balance as he approaches the other side of the alley. Once reaching the end of the alley, he drops his foot onto the ground to stop his momentum. His dad cheers “you did it Peter! See what happens when you don’t think about it, it comes naturally.” Peter ecstatic, let’s out a roar for victory, and can only smile while looking at his dad’s gratification. “Now try to come back” requests Peter’s dad. Peter’s facial features change as he realizes he must pull it off a second time. This time he’s slow to start but he is able to use the fundamentals he has learned, and manages to make it back to his dad, although wobbling back and forth showing great signs of uncertainty. His dad picks him up giving him a big hug, “I’m so proud of you my son.” All Peter can do is smile and indulge in his father’s appreciation. “Let’s go inside and call your mom, to tell her the great news.”