Benjamin's story

Benjamin woke up. He turned onto his side and pushed himself into a sitting position. Slowly, he put on the clothes he had prepared on the chair. Getting dressed was never something he did quickly. Occasionally, he experienced spasticity in his fingers, making it difficult to put on socks, fasten buttons, and perform similar tasks.

He sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his socks. He had been trying to pull one over his foot for two minutes already, but his fingers refused to cooperate. A tightness spread through his chest, accompanied by a hot wave of frustration that he tried to push aside.

"Alright, let's try again," he told himself, took a deep breath, and tried once more. This time, he managed, although he had to grit his teeth in the process. Karmen, who had woken up and gotten out of bed in the meantime, noticed his struggle but remained silent. She knew how much it meant to him to do things on his own.

She dressed quickly, as she heard noise coming from the children's room. Her maternal instinct urged her to get to their son Luka as soon as possible. When she arrived, she was delighted to see that he was already up and getting dressed. A warm feeling spread through her heart as she watched him dress quickly and skillfully. However, she still needed to check if his clothes were clean since Luka, in his childhood playfulness, sometimes missed such details.

"Good morning, Luka! You're doing great today—you got up and dressed all by yourself!" Karmen praised him and gave him a hug.

"The noise from your bedroom woke me up five minutes before my alarm was supposed to go off," Luka said, turning off the alarm that had just started ringing with its characteristic sound.

Benjamin got up from bed and went to the bathroom. He took care of his needs and washed up. Then, he slowly made his way to the dining room, where Karmen and Luka had already prepared breakfast.

Benjamin sat down and waited while Karmen and Luka finished in the bathroom. By then, the tea was ready, and Karmen served it.

"Enjoy your meal," he finally said, and they started eating.

After breakfast, Karmen and Luka cleared the table and loaded the dishes into the dishwasher. Then, all three of them got dressed. Benjamin took the walker that was waiting for him in the hallway. It would help him walk, especially if he had to stand or move around for an extended period at work. There had been times when he had to walk back and forth to the hallway printer multiple times because it got jammed, and his colleagues, being busy, couldn’t always help him.

Next to the walker stood his electric mobility scooter. He used it at work if he and his colleagues went out, and it also helped when Karmen wasn’t available to accompany him. One day, Karmen got sick and couldn’t drive him to work. Another time, she had to leave for work much earlier than usual due to an IT system issue that had to be resolved before business partners arrived in the morning.

Once Karmen locked the front door, they said goodbye to Luka as he dashed down the stairs near the apartment entrance. Since they lived on the first floor, it was a short trip to the building’s exit on the ground floor. He reached it faster than he would have with the elevator. From there, he had a one-kilometer walk to school. Although he wasn’t in a rush, he loved running. Before class started, he always played with his classmates in the schoolyard.

Karmen and Benjamin walked slowly so he could keep up, heading down the hallway to the elevator and then down to the garage, where their car was parked. Karmen took the driver’s seat while Benjamin sat in the passenger seat. She drove him to his workplace. Since she had a disability parking permit, she could briefly stop in the accessible parking space. She only stopped for a moment—it took just three minutes.

"Have a great day, Benjamin," she said as he got out and slowly made his way to the entrance with his walker.

She then drove to her own job. It was only three kilometers from their home, but since Benjamin’s workplace was also three kilometers away—just one kilometer from hers—she always drove. Even in the summer, when her car sat baking in the scorching sun for hours in the parking lot. She only walked or cycled when Benjamin was on leave, which happened quite often since he had more vacation days than she did. When he was off work while she wasn’t, she would prepare a meal for him in the evening so he could just heat it up the next day.

Benjamin entered the office building, greeted the security guard, and took the elevator to the second floor, where his office was located.

He greeted his colleagues:

"Good morning, Maja and Nina," "Good morning, Boris and Jure."

They returned his greeting, and everyone got to work.

He sat in his chair, placed the walker against the office wall so it wouldn’t be in the way, turned on his computer, and opened the necessary files. His work took him a bit longer than others since he wasn’t very quick, but by the end of the day, he usually completed all his tasks. However, he struggled with tight deadlines requiring immediate action, so he generally wasn’t assigned urgent tasks.

At the end of the workday, around the time Karmen usually picked him up, he took the elevator to the lobby and sat on a bench. When Karmen waved at him from outside, he stood up and slowly made his way to the car.

When they arrived home, Luka was already there, doing his homework.

"How was school?" Karmen asked.

"Really interesting. We learned about adverbial clauses."

"That’s great. I see you wrote your homework neatly," Benjamin said, sitting next to him.

"We also played volleyball," Luka added.

"That’s nice! Are you getting better at it?" Benjamin asked happily.

"Yeah, pretty good," Luka said.

"How about we eat something and then go for a walk?" Benjamin suggested.

"If Luka has finished his homework. Are you done?" Karmen asked.

"Yes, I’m done," Luka replied, putting his notebooks away.

Karmen prepared a snack—each of them got a yogurt and a piece of bread.

"Benjamin, take your walker," Karmen reminded him.

"Yes, I will," he replied.

After their snack, they got dressed and slowly made their way to the elevator so Benjamin could keep up. Once outside, Karmen and Luka decided to walk faster while Benjamin followed at his own pace with the walker. It helped with his balance, but he still had to walk slower than the others. Karmen and Luka did two 15-minute loops while Benjamin walked one loop at his steady pace. He felt the weight of his body but knew he needed the exercise. After 20 minutes, they met up midway and greeted each other. Half an hour later, Benjamin arrived back at the building, where Karmen and Luka were already waiting for him.

"How was it, Benjamin?" Karmen asked.

"Quite tiring," he admitted.

"What matters is that you got some exercise," she replied.

"How did it go for you?" Benjamin asked Karmen.

"It went quite well," Karmen replied.

"Luka, would you like to go again?" Karmen asked.

"Yes, one more round," Luka said.

"Can you go by yourself?" Karmen asked.

"Yes, I'll go alone," Luka replied.

Karmen and Benjamin took the elevator back to their apartment on the first floor. Benjamin sat down in a chair, exhausted.

"I've had enough for today. Let Luka walk some more," Benjamin said.

Karmen understood her husband's comment. She knew he didn't mean anything bad by it.

"Yes, let him get some exercise. It would be nice if he had some friends over, but they're either busy with training or sitting in their rooms glued to their phones or computers. They have so much to say on ***, but barely anything in person. Luka has training tomorrow," Karmen said.

"Yes, he trains three times a week. On the days he doesn’t train, he’s just with us," Benjamin said.

"His cousin Miha is coming over for the weekend," Karmen said.

"My brother will come by to help again," Benjamin added.

"Klemen and his wife Petra will help with the weekly cleaning so we can have time for a nice outing afterward," Karmen said.

"Could we do some cleaning during the week?" Benjamin asked.

"It’s not so much about cleaning, although Klemen and Petra are a big help, but more about Luka having company. You know how kids these days don’t hang out outside of training. Luka will grow up believing that spontaneous socializing doesn’t exist," Karmen said.

"I’ll take the mobility scooter," Benjamin said, still feeling the pain in his legs.

"Yes, we’ll take the scooter, just like always," Karmen agreed.

Karmen started preparing dinner. Meanwhile, Luka returned and helped his mother with the preparations.

Benjamin turned on the TV and watched a show.

Dinner was soon ready. Karmen and Luka set the table, and all three sat down to eat.

During dinner, Benjamin looked at Luka, who was quietly eating. "How was volleyball today?" he asked.

"It was fine," Luka replied, stuffing a big piece of bread into his mouth.

"That’s all you have to say?" Karmen smiled.

"Well, Urban hit me in the face with the ball," Luka said, wiping his mouth.

"Was it bad?" Benjamin asked, slightly concerned.

"No, but everyone laughed, and I felt a bit embarrassed," Luka admitted.

"I would have laughed too," Benjamin chuckled.

On Saturday morning, after breakfast, Karmen washed the dishes while Benjamin sat at the table reading the newspaper. Then, the doorbell rang.

Karmen wiped her hands and went to open the door.

"Good morning," greeted Benjamin’s older brother Klemen, his younger wife Petra, and their ten-year-old son Miha.

"Good morning, come on in," Karmen said.

"Good morning," Benjamin greeted them from his chair. Klemen felt a deep brotherly love and compassion for Benjamin. He wanted to help, to make his life easier. Ever since birth, Benjamin had been different, living in a body that functioned uniquely, requiring a lot of support and assistance.

"We came to help clean the apartment, so everything will be nice and tidy," Petra said.

"I’ll clean the air conditioner," Klemen said, heading to the storage room for the ladder.

"Let’s put these in the dishwasher first," Karmen said to Klemen.

Benjamin watched his brother Klemen helping Karmen load the dishwasher. A familiar, unpleasant feeling crept over him—the feeling that Klemen could do everything while he just sat there, unable to contribute.

"Hey, Klemen, you don’t have to do everything yourself."

"No worries, Benjamin. It’ll get done faster this way," Klemen replied.

"But then I just feel like I’m in the way," Benjamin said quietly.

Karmen paused for a moment, looked at him, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Don’t say that, Ben. You’ve already done enough just by not giving up." Klemen turned around. "Exactly. Now hush and let me finish loading this dishwasher."

On the other hand, Benjamin was grateful for the help. He appreciated that his brother and his family lightened his burden, allowing him to rest as the doctor had advised—avoiding unnecessary strain.

Miha and Luka also helped with the cleaning. Benjamin watched as Luka vacuumed. He was proud of his hardworking son.

They finished cleaning quickly.

"We’re done!" Klemen announced happily, giving his brother a hug.

"Now it's time for a hike," Klemen said.

"Okay, where are we going?" Karmen asked.

"Miha wants to go to Šmarna Gora," Klemen said.

"Benjamin can’t go there," Karmen said.

"We can arrange for him to watch us from home on a screen. Miha needs exercise," Klemen said.

"From what I see, Miha has already gotten plenty of exercise," Benjamin remarked.

"Luka needs movement too, but I don’t want to leave Benjamin alone," Karmen said.

"Luka has had plenty of movement as well," Benjamin added.

"It’s not just about movement, but about fulfilling childhood wishes. Childhood is short," Klemen said, though truth be told, he wasn’t eager for another hike after all the cleaning.

"Okay, let’s go to Koseze Pond instead," Petra suggested.

"Alright, let’s go. If Benjamin takes his mobility scooter, we can walk fast, and everyone will get enough exercise—including the kids," Klemen said.

"That sounds great. With the scooter, Benjamin can keep up easily," Karmen said.

"And his body won’t get too tired," Klemen added, feeling a bit sorry for his brother.

Klemen, Karmen, Petra, and the kids dressed in sporty clothes and put on their shoes.

Klemen helped Benjamin stand and escorted him to his electric mobility scooter, which waited in the hallway corner. He helped him put on his jacket and shoes.

"Look at you, all set, my dear brother," Klemen said proudly, dressed in his tracksuit.

"He looks like a boss," Petra chuckled, dressed similarly to Klemen.

Benjamin laughed.

"I’m proud of myself," he said.

Karmen appreciated Klemen’s care for his younger brother, but she also wished Benjamin could get more physical activity instead of sitting all day.

Benjamin turned on his mobility scooter and rode through the open door into the hallway. Karmen locked the apartment, and then they all headed to the elevator, taking it to the ground floor before exiting the building.

Klemen, Petra, Karmen, and the kids walked while Benjamin rode behind them on his scooter.

They walked for quite some time and eventually reached the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship, where the gravel path began.

"Let’s slow down a bit," Karmen said.

"Alright," Klemen replied.

"Benjamin, are you doing okay?" Karmen asked her husband, who was riding behind them like a director.

"Yes, I’m fine," Benjamin replied.

"Benjamin the boss," Luka said.

"Benjamin’s special chair," Miha added, seeing the mobility scooter as a special chair.

"A special chair for my dad," Luka said, hugging Benjamin.

Soon, they reached their destination.

"Now it’s time for a drink," Klemen said.

Everyone agreed.

On their way back, they saw some little birds.
"Look at those birds," said Luka.
Benjamin looked towards the meadow, and indeed, there were little birds.

When they returned to the apartment, Klemen helped Benjamin take off his jacket and then transferred him to a chair in the dining room.

"Now it's time to prepare lunch," said Karmen.
"Klemen and I will help," said Petra.
"Luka and Miha will obviously help too," said Klemen when he saw the children joining the cooking.

"Karmen, could I have a glass of water, please?" asked Benjamin, who was sitting in the chair.
"Right away, my dear," replied Karmen, pouring a glass of water and serving it to him.
"Thank you, I love you," said Benjamin.
"And I love you," she replied and kissed him.

"Tomorrow, you're invited to our place for lunch," said Klemen. Klemen lives with his family in his parents' house in the countryside. His parents live on the first floor, while Klemen and his family live on the second floor and take care of them.
"We'll also pick some apples before lunch, and you, Benjamin, can rest," said Petra.
"Thank you, we will come," said Karmen and Benjamin.

Soon, lunch was ready, and everyone sat down to eat with pleasure.
"You made a delicious meal," praised Benjamin.
"I'm glad you like it," said Karmen, smiling at him.

After lunch, Klemen, Petra, and Miha said goodbye.

The Next Morning

Karmen parked the car in front of Benjamin’s parents’ house. He was sitting in the passenger seat, looking forward to a lovely day with his parents. Their son Luka sat in the back. He noticed his uncle Klemen's car and was excited to see his cousin Miha again. Then he looked towards the house and saw him.

He got out of the car and greeted him.
Benjamin got out too, but he lost his balance for a moment. He greeted his nephew and slowly limped towards the entrance of the house.

They greeted Klemen, Benjamin’s older brother, who was standing by the door, and stepped inside.
"Good morning, Luka and I will help in the orchard on the hill," said Karmen.
"Good morning, I’m glad you came. Benjamin, you can sit here," said Benjamin’s mother, pointing to a chair by the table.

Benjamin sat down on the cushioned chair.
"How are you, Benjamin?" asked his father, who was slowly dusting the shelves.
"The same as always when I come here," said Benjamin. He was thinking about how he always just sat here or outside while his wife and son worked.
"What's wrong with you?" asked his father.
"Nothing's wrong," said Benjamin, knowing his father always found negativity in his words.
"You look tired," said his mother.
"Yes, I am," said Benjamin. His mother also looked tired. Due to aging issues, she spent most of her time sitting and left the work to others.

"Yesterday, Klemen was at your place, he helped you, and then you went for a walk," said his mother.
"Yes, that’s right, they helped a lot. We went for a walk to Koseze Pond, I rode my mobility scooter," said Benjamin.
"That’s nice, I’m glad," said his mother.
"That’s why you’re tired," said his father.
"I don’t know if that’s the reason," said Benjamin.

Meanwhile, on the Hill

Klemen, Petra, Karmen, Miha, and Luka were picking apples.
"We have a lot of work. It'll take the whole morning," said Klemen.
"It’s a good harvest this year," said Karmen.

Luka and Miha were fooling around.
"Miha, get to work, it’s not playtime now," said Klemen.
"Luka, come to me, you can help," said Karmen to her son.

Back at the House

"Would you like something to drink?" Benjamin’s father asked him.
"Yes, a glass of water, please," said Benjamin.

His father took a glass, filled it with water, and placed it on the table.
Then he sat down at the table and started reading the newspaper.

"Karmen and Luka are hardworking," praised Benjamin’s mother.
"They’re picking apples on the hill," said Benjamin.
"Luka will bring some apples," said his mother.
"One for everyone," said Benjamin with a smile.
"You just rest here," said his mother.
"This is the nicest place," said Benjamin.
"Yes, it’s warm here," said his father.

A Little Later

Luka came inside, carrying three apples in his hand.
"Hello, I brought you some apples," he said.
"Thank you, Luka," they all said.

Luka washed the apples and gave one to each of them.
"Now I’m going back to work. We’ll work for another half an hour, then we’ll go cook lunch," said Luka.

A little more than half an hour later, they returned to the house and entered the room.
"How are you, my love?" Karmen asked Benjamin.
"I’m fine," he said, smiling at her.
"Now we’re going to prepare lunch. We’ll eat in an hour," said Klemen.

Even Benjamin’s father helped while his mother and Benjamin sat on chairs by the table.
"Let them rest, they’re tired," said Klemen with compassion.

At noon, lunch was ready. Klemen, Karmen, and Petra served it. Everyone ate with great enjoyment, as it was delicious.