Rolling his eyes, Ashley gritted his teeth as he limped his way the stage, "This had better be worth it," he thought as his knee sent staps of pain up his leg, "if not, I'm going to be pissed." As he made his way toward the stage, he found that he had to rely less and less on his cane, as if his leg was no longer just a scar covered mess. He also felt thinner and trimmer than he did when he left his car. Seeing a mirror on his way, he stopped to look at himself. He jaw dropped, and he rubbed his face in shock. He had gained weight after his injury, but now he appeared to be in even better shape than his time in the marines. Grinning, he began sprinting towards the stage, and felt more alive than ever. He felt as if he was a man reborn, with all his troubles gone. He wore that grin as he skidded to a stop in front of the stage.