Second Chance: a Alexia putellas story

Chapter 1: introduction

The weight of the world seemed to press down on Alexia Putellas as she lay on her couch, her injured knee throbbing with pain. Her once-unstoppable soccer career had come to a screeching halt when she tore her ACL during a critical match against a fierce rival. She had been a key player for FC Barcelona, the pride of her team, but now, she was nothing more than a spectator on the sidelines.

For weeks, she had struggled through the grueling physical therapy sessions and the crushing disappointment of watching her teammates play without her. The simple act of walking without crutches had become a milestone she celebrated, a sign of slow progress, but the emotional wounds ran much deeper. The stress, anger, and frustration had built up like a volcano inside her.

Alexia knew she needed an outlet for all these overwhelming emotions, a way to escape the relentless pressure that came with being a professional athlete. It was then that she remembered the stories her friends had told her about age regression therapy. They had raved about how it helped them relax and find a sense of peace.

One evening, she decided to explore the concept further. Her apartment was filled with the soft glow of her laptop screen as she dove into online articles and forums, searching for information on age regression. She found personal accounts of people who had experienced profound relief from stress and anxiety through this unconventional therapy. The idea of temporarily returning to a simpler, more carefree time in her life was incredibly enticing.

As she read, her shoulders slumped, and a deep sense of loneliness washed over her. She yearned for someone to talk to about this newfound interest, someone who could offer guidance and support. Alexia's family lived in a different city, and she had always been fiercely independent, rarely confiding in anyone.

But as she looked around her apartment, the walls felt like they were closing in, and the isolation seemed unbearable. She reached for her phone and, with trembling fingers, began to compose a message to her closest friend, Jenni Hermoso.

"Hey Jenni," she typed, "I know you're in Mexico, and I hate bothering you when you're so far away, but I've hit a really tough spot. My ACL injury has me feeling overwhelmed and tired all the time. I've been reading about this age regression therapy, and it sounds intriguing, like a way to escape the stress. I don't know who else to talk to about this. Can you help or at least lend an ear? I miss you."

Alexia hesitated, her thumb hovering over the send button. She felt vulnerable, and her pride was on the line. She had always been the strong one, but now, it was time to admit that she needed someone to lean on. She took a deep breath, swallowed her pride, and tapped the send button, sending her message out into the digital ether, waiting for a response from her dear friend, Jenni.