When I Fall

Always Going Forward

I slam the car door behind me, taking my soccer equipment out with me on this chilly day. I have to get to soccer practice at 3:45pm sharp, right after school ends. I check the time. 3:37pm. I hurry to the girls changeroom and start wearing our teams uniform. I tie my soft brown hair into a high ponytail and wear a thin sweater on top of my t-shirt. I run out to the field making it in time. Coach makes Stacey lead the warm up. Stacey is the best player on the team. She is brave, confident and very athletic. We do jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, planks, and some more stretches. When we're done, we are a sweaty mess. Coach waves us over and says, "Tigers! Huddle around for a second." We all make a tight circle, and coach speaks. "The big game is only a few days ahead of us. I'm adding a new practice meeting tomorrow, 6:30 sharp! Got it?" We all nod. Jessie goes to net, and Stacey to the center of the field. I'm forward and I'm pretty good at it. We start practice. While I'm dribbling, I feel a sharp pain in my ankle the spreads throuout my entire body. I wince at the pain and end up tripping. I take a rest for a few seconds. I'm not sure why it's hurting, but it hurts a lot. Coach sees me on the bench and comes over to me, bringing some ice. He looks at my ankle, and says "I think it'll be all right, just a little twist. You can watch the game." I shake my head and stand up. "I can do it." I say with confidence and determination. It hurts, but not as much as before. I go into a jog, then in a full sprint. My ankle feels better now. Stacey passes me the ball, and I shoot and score. Stacey pats my back and compliments me. One reason I never give up is because of my parents. My dad always says, "Always go forward. You never know what will happen, but keep trying." After my dad said that quote, I never gave up. And I never will. I'll always go forward. We practice for 2 hours, when my dad's gray car pulls up. I change back into my comfy sweats and light sweater. Stacey comes in and says, "Hey, Case? Nice game today. Hope your ankle feels better." I nod and reply, "Stace, you did really well too." I walk out of the change room, just in time to see coach ending a talk with my dad. I'm curious, but I decide not to ask my dad. I enter the car and toss my smelly equipment to the left of me. When I'm all comfortable, my dad scrunches his nose in disgust of my equipment, then speaks. "Casey, is your ankle okay? Can you go to the meet tomorrow?" I just nod and look out the window, trying to ignore the dull pain throbbing in my ankle. Always move forward. And I will. I will always go forward.

Thanks for reading our first book! Sorry for the short chapter. We promise longer ones next time!

Please stay tuned for our next chapter!:)

-judy and sujeong