021 | almost there

Weeks had passed since Gianna's emotional breakdown, and with each passing day, the tension seemed to ease little by little. Hector had remained a steady presence, always by her side, offering comfort, support, and a listening ear when she needed it most. And as time went on, Gianna had started to feel like herself again.

Her rehab sessions had been going well. She was progressing faster than expected, her strength returning with each session. The physical therapists had praised her dedication, but it wasn't just her physical recovery that had improved. There was a lightness to her step, a spark in her eyes that had been absent for weeks. The weight of the anxiety had lifted, and while it wasn't entirely gone, it was now manageable.

The therapy sessions were nearing their end. After only a couple more sessions, the crutches would be a thing of the past. Gianna could already feel the anticipation building inside her. She missed playing. She missed the pitch. She missed the rhythm of the game. But more than anything, she missed the sense of control over her own body that had slipped away after the injury.

Sitting on the edge of the couch, she flexed her leg, feeling the muscles that had been weak just weeks ago, now strong and responsive. She had come so far. It felt like she was almost there. Almost back to her old self.

Hector walked into the living room, freshly showered from his own training session, his hair still damp and sticking to his forehead. He glanced at Gianna, noticing her quiet focus as she worked through the stretches her physical therapist had recommended for the day.

"How's it going?" Hector asked with a smile, leaning against the doorframe.

Gianna looked up and gave him a small grin. "Almost there," she replied, her voice light with excitement. "Just a couple more sessions, and I'll be back to training. I can't wait."

Hector pushed himself off the doorframe and walked over, dropping down beside her on the couch. "You've worked so hard. You deserve it."

Gianna shrugged, though there was a pride in her eyes. "I couldn't have done it without you. You were there when I needed you most, even when I didn't want to admit it."

Hector grinned, a teasing light dancing in his eyes. "You're welcome, but I'm just doing my job. Someone had to put up with your cranky self."

Gianna rolled her eyes and nudged him with her elbow. "I wasn't that bad."

"Oh, trust me, you were," Hector replied, laughing. "I was starting to think you had a permanent scowl on your face."

Gianna raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I wasn't scowling. I was just... frustrated."

"I get it," Hector said, his tone softening. "It's hard, being stuck like that. Not being able to do the one thing you love."

Gianna nodded slowly, her gaze drifting out the window. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft golden glow over the city. She had spent so many days in this apartment, staring out at the world she longed to be a part of again. It was like she could almost hear the echo of the pitch calling to her.

"I just... I want to get back on the field," she murmured. "I want to feel like myself again."

"You will," Hector reassured her, his voice warm. "You've already come so far. You're stronger than you know."

Gianna turned to face him, her expression serious for a moment. "But what if... what if it doesn't feel the same? What if I can't get back to where I was? What if it takes longer than I expect?"

Hector met her gaze, his eyes filled with understanding. "Gianna, you're already proving to yourself that you're capable of more than you give yourself credit for. You've been through so much, and you're still here, still fighting. Whatever happens, you'll find a way. You always do."

She smiled softly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at his words. They were simple, but they meant everything. Hector had always known how to make her feel like anything was possible, even when doubt clouded her mind.

"I guess I'm just... nervous," Gianna admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Nervous that something will go wrong, or that I won't be the same. I don't know if I can handle that."

"You don't have to handle it alone," Hector said gently. "You've got a whole team of people who believe in you. Me, Marc, everyone. We're all here for you, every step of the way."

Gianna's heart swelled at the sincerity in his words. It had been a long time since she had truly felt supported by anyone other than herself. But now, with Hector beside her, she could feel the strength of their bond, the unspoken promise that no matter what came next, they would face it together.

"You're right," she said with a nod, her confidence returning bit by bit. "I've got this."

Hector smiled, his hand gently squeezing hers. "Of course you do. You're Gianna Guiu. No one can stop you."

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the weight of the world outside forgotten. The only thing that mattered in that moment was the steady rhythm of their breathing, the warmth of each other's presence. Gianna was finally starting to believe it-that she could do this. She could heal, she could come back stronger, and she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And with Hector by her side, she knew she wasn't alone. Not now, not ever.

"I'll be here," Hector added quietly, as if reading her thoughts. "Every step of the way."

Gianna looked up at him, her heart full. "I know."

With that, the two of them settled back into the couch, the weight of the world outside still pressing in, but for now, it didn't matter. Gianna's journey wasn't over yet, but she was ready to take that next step. And this time, she wasn't afraid.