Breaking Boundaries

Chapter 20: The Return Home

After making sure Freya was as comfortable as possible, Alexia had made her way to her own training session. She was greeted by the familiar sounds and sights of the football field, the grass still wet with morning dew. Her teammates, Jenni, Patri, and Mapi, were already there, warming up for the day's training.

Alexia joined them, her mind still filled with thoughts of Freya. The concern for her friend was ever-present, and she couldn't help but wonder about her well-being. As they began their training, Alexia decided to confide in her teammates.

Jenni, Patri, and Mapi were well aware of the bond that had formed between Alexia and Freya, and they were quick to notice the worry in Alexia's expression.

Jenni: "Hey, Alexia, what's on your mind? You seem distracted today."

Alexia wiped the sweat off her face with a towel and took a deep breath.

Alexia: "I was with Freya last night. She had a tough fight, and her injuries are pretty bad. I'm just worried about her."

Patri and Mapi exchanged concerned glances, their training momentarily forgotten as the remembered the fight from two nights ago.

Patri: "Is she okay? When we watched the fight she looked like she was hurting bad?"

Alexia explained the details of Freya's fight, her injuries, and the emotional toll it had taken on her.

Mapi: "That sounds incredibly tough. Is there anything we can do to help?"

Alexia appreciated the concern from her friends, and she shook her head.

Alexia: "I just hope she gets some rest and recovers. She's strong, but she needs time."

As their training session continued, Alexia's thoughts remained with Freya. The worry for her friend's well-being was a constant presence in the back of her mind. She hoped that the rest and care Freya received would aid in her recovery.

After the training session, Alexia returned to Freya's house, her heart filled with a mixture of concern and hope. The day had been challenging for both of them, but they were fighters, and they knew how to overcome adversity.

As she opened the door to Freya's home, she hoped to find her friend in better spirits, on her way to healing both physically and emotionally. Their friendship had proven to be a source of strength, and it was a reminder that they were never alone in facing life's challenges.

The hours had passed slowly for Freya. The warmth of the morning had given way to the gentle embrace of the afternoon sun. As she lay on the couch, her injuries continued to make their presence known. The pain in her ribs was a persistent ache, and her swollen eye had slowly begun to reopen, revealing the colorful spectrum of bruises beneath.

Freya had spent the morning drifting in and out of sleep, the dream of the previous night's fight and the comforting presence of Alexia mingling in her thoughts. The time had been both a blessing and a burden, as she waited for her body to recover and her spirit to heal.

As the hours passed, Freya's senses remained attuned to the sounds around her. She heard the familiar creak of the front door, and her heart quickened with anticipation. With a soft whimper of pain, she slowly pushed herself into a sitting position, propping herself up with her good arm.

The door opened, and there, in the doorway, stood Alexia. The football queen had returned, her face etched with concern as she took in the sight of her friend.

Freya's battered eye blinked slowly, and she offered a weak but appreciative smile.

Freya: "You're back, Alexia."

Alexia rushed forward, her eyes filled with compassion, and knelt beside the couch.

Alexia: "Freya, how are you feeling? I brought you some more soup and your favorite tea."

Freya's voice was raspy, but it carried a sense of relief.

Freya: "Thank you, Alexia. I've been aching, but having you here makes it better."

Alexia reached out to gently touch Freya's unbruised cheek, her thumb tracing a soothing path.

Alexia: "I'm here for you, Freya. Always."

As Freya leaned into the warmth of her friend's presence, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. The pain and challenges of the fight were still very real, but the unwavering support from Alexia provided a source of strength and healing.

The day continued to pass, and the two athletes, friends, found solace in each other's presence. As Freya enjoyed the soup and tea Alexia had brought, the injuries and the pain seemed a little less significant.

Their shared moments of vulnerability and connection were a testament to the depth of their friendship. In the face of adversity, they had found solace and strength in each other, a reminder that true friendships were forged in the crucible of life's challenges.

With Alexia by her side, Freya knew that she wasn't alone in facing the physical and emotional journey of recovery. The day held the promise of healing, and they were ready to face it together.