[ WP ] Time and time again , you failed . Today , you succeeded .

No pain, no gain. That's what they say, and I say they are right. 
 
 Today is my first day at the hospital. Normally someone in my position would be quite upset at the circumstances, but today is special. I have finally proven my friends, family, enemies, and everyone in between wrong. The pure ecstasy of it is almost enough to refuse the pain killers the nurse is trying to hand to me. 
 
 `` Please take the pills sir, you said you were going to three minutes ago.'' Nurse Brady instructs with a vigorous shake of the small paper cup. 
 
 `` Sorry ma'am I was just basking in my glory.'' I answer with a smile. 
 
 With my good arm I slowly reach over and carefully take the cup from her hand. I bring the cup to my face as I try not to move my fractured spine. The nurse helps me drink the other cup of water after I take the pills. 
 
 No sooner had I finished the refreshing liquid, another nurse opens my door and lets in a visitor. 
 
 My friend looks at me awestruck. I do n't blame him, he were there and witnessed my triumph first hand. 
 
 `` I still ca n't believe it. Was it worth it? You look pretty banged up.'' John asked as he surveyed my glorious visage. 
 
 `` Worth every moment. Have you seen any reporters yet? Have people hounded you for my autograph?'' I ask him. 
 
 `` Um, no. I called your parents and they...'' 
 
 `` Oh silly me. There obviously has n't been enough time yet for the news to go out. I'm sure they will be clamoring for an interview once they learn of my feat.'' 
 
 ``... yeah. Anyway you parents are on the way over and...'' 
 
 `` I bet they must be so proud! Their son has done what no person had done before.'' 
 
 `` Oliver I swear to god...'' 
 
 `` And the fortune that will follow! I can imagine all the people who will throw money at me, just to be seen with me. I bet it will be in twenty dollar bills. Specifically one twenty dollar bill at a time!'' 
 
 `` Oh please give it rest Oliver!'' John rudely interrupts. 
 
 `` I'm sorry my friend. I'm just boasting to cover this emptiness inside. It seems like even with my great accomplishment, I'm not getting what I deserve. If only there were some way to fill this twenty dollar hole in my heart.'' 
 
 `` For the love of god fine. A bet is a bet I guess.'' John sighs. He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet. With great reluctance he fishes out the twenty dollars I so rightfully earned. 
 
 The money is great, but it is nothing next to the fame I will receive. You see I've done what no one has done before. I have licked my elbow.
