You made me believe again

Chapter 3

The next morning, Amanda woke up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day ahead. She reached for her phone and sent a quick text to her best friend Bailey, letting her know that she would be into work on time. With a sense of purpose, Amanda rose from bed and began her morning routine.

After getting dressed in comfortable clothes, Amanda carefully placed her hearing aids in her ears, the familiar sounds of the world around her gradually coming into focus. With each click of the devices, she felt a sense of connection to the world, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

Making her way to work, Amanda walked with purpose, the morning air crisp and invigorating. As she approached the cafe, she felt a sense of anticipation bubbling within her. Today was a new day, full of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

Stepping behind the cash register, Amanda greeted her coworkers with a warm smile, ready to dive into another busy day. The familiar hustle and bustle of the cafe surrounded her, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the chatter of customers.

With practiced ease, Amanda began taking orders, her fingers flying across the keypad as she entered each request with precision. Despite the noise and chaos of the cafe, she felt a sense of calm settle over her, a quiet confidence in her abilities.

As the morning rush subsided, Amanda took a moment to catch her breath, glancing around the bustling cafe with a sense of pride. She had navigated the challenges of the morning with grace and efficiency, and she knew that she had made a difference in the lives of those she had served.

With a smile, Amanda returned to her duties, ready to tackle whatever the rest of the day had in store. For in the simple act of taking orders and serving coffee, she found purpose and fulfillment, a reminder that even the smallest gestures could make a big impact in the lives of others.

Alexia woke up groggily, her body feeling heavy and sluggish. As she stretched, a sharp pain shot through her injured knee, causing her to hiss in discomfort. It was a harsh reminder of the injury that had been plaguing her for weeks, a constant source of frustration and pain.

Dragging herself out of bed, Alexia winced with each movement, the ache in her knee making even the simplest tasks feel like a challenge. With a heavy sigh, she made her way to the bathroom, the cool tiles underfoot sending a shiver down her spine.

Turning on the shower, Alexia stepped under the warm spray, letting the water cascade over her tired muscles. As the steam filled the room, she closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax, the rhythmic sound of the water easing the tension in her body.

But as she reached for the shampoo, a wave of dizziness washed over her, causing her to grip the shower rail for support. The combination of exhaustion and pain was taking its toll on her, leaving her feeling drained and depleted.

With a frustrated sigh, Alexia finished her shower quickly, the warm water providing little relief for her aching knee. As she stepped out of the shower and dried herself off, she couldn't shake off the feeling of heaviness that weighed her down.

Dressing slowly, Alexia winced as she pulled on her jeans, the fabric rubbing uncomfortably against her injured knee. It was a constant reminder of her limitations, a nagging voice in the back of her mind that whispered of all the things she could no longer do.

But despite the pain and frustration, Alexia refused to let it defeat her. With a determined glint in her eye, she squared her shoulders and made her way out of the bathroom, ready to face whatever challenges the day had in store.

For even in the midst of her struggles, Alexia knew that she was stronger than she realized. And as she limped out of her apartment, crutches in hand, she was determined to prove that nothing could hold her back for long.

As Alexia made her way to the kitchen, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. Glancing at the screen, she saw that it was her best friend and Barcelona Femeni teammate, Mapi Leon. A small smile tugged at the corners of Alexia's lips as she answered the call.

"Hey, Mapi," Alexia greeted, her voice carrying a hint of warmth despite the fatigue in her tone.

"Hey, Ale," Mapi replied, her voice filled with concern. "I heard about your injury. How are you holding up?"

Alexia sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she leaned against the kitchen counter. "I'm hanging in there," she admitted. "It's been tough, but I'm trying to stay positive."

Mapi's voice softened with sympathy. "I know it's been rough, but you're strong, Ale. You'll get through this."

Alexia nodded, grateful for Mapi's unwavering support. "Thanks, Mapi. It means a lot to me."

There was a moment of silence as the weight of Alexia's situation hung between them. But then, Mapi's voice broke through the quiet with a note of determination.

"Listen, Ale, I know things seem tough right now, but I believe in you. We all do. And when you're ready, we'll be here to help you get back on your feet."

A surge of gratitude flooded through Alexia, warming her from the inside out. "Thanks, Mapi," she said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Mapi chuckled, the sound carrying through the phone like a ray of sunshine. "You'd manage just fine, Ale. But remember, we're in this together, okay?"

Alexia smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over her. With Mapi by her side, she knew that she could weather any storm that came her way.

"Okay," she replied, her voice steady with determination. "Thanks, Mapi. I'll see you at Rheab tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Mapi confirmed. "Take care, Ale. And remember, we're all rooting for you."

As they said their goodbyes, Alexia felt a sense of hope stirring within her heart.