OFFSIDE

96

❝ It's nice to have a friend. ❞
« ♫ ♡ ♫ »

Elena's POV
I'm standing in front of the mirror, brushing my hair back into a loose ponytail, ready to head out for a coffee date in the city with Julieta and Catalina. I'm excited—it's been a while since we've had a girls' day out, and we've been planning this for weeks. But just as I'm about to grab my bag and head for the door, that familiar, uncomfortable sensation hits me again. It's like a sudden, urgent need to pee, even though I just went to the bathroom a few minutes ago.

I sigh, trying to ignore it, but the feeling intensifies, making it impossible to brush off. "Damn it," I mutter under my breath, turning on my heel and heading back to the bathroom. Julieta, who's waiting in the living room, calls out to me, "Elena, you okay? We need to go soon if don't want to let Catalina wait."

"Yeah, just give me a minute," I reply, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. I hate this—this constant, nagging feeling that something's wrong.

I sit down on the toilet, but just like before, only a tiny bit of urine comes out, and it burns like hell. I wince, gripping the edge of the sink for support. The pain is sharp and stinging, and I know this isn't normal. I've had urinary tract infection before, and this feels just like that—only worse.

After a few more seconds of discomfort, I stand up, feeling a mixture of frustration and worry building in my chest. I can't ignore this anymore. Something is definitely wrong, and I need to deal fix this.

I quickly wash my hands, trying to push down the rising anxiety. I know I need to call the doctor, but the thought of it fills me with dread. What if it's something serious? What if it's not just a UTI? My mind races with worst-case scenarios, but I force myself to stay calm.

"Elena, are you sure you're okay?" Julieta asks again, her voice laced with concern as she steps into the hallway.

I step out of the bathroom, trying to put on a brave face. "I... I'm not sure. I think I need to call the doctor."

Julieta's eyes widen slightly, and she immediately walks over to me. "What's going on? Are you in pain?"

I nod, biting my lip. "Yeah, it hurts when I pee. And it feels like I have to go all the time, but nothing really comes out. It's... it's burning."

Her expression shifts to one of understanding, and she places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It sounds like a UTI. I had one a few months ago, and it was awful. You should definitely call the doctor."

I take a deep breath, nodding again. "Yeah, I will. I just need to find my phone."

Julieta gives me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we can always go out another day. Your health is more important."

I return her smile, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Julieta. But that's not necessary. I'll be ready in a minute."

I walk over to the kitchen counter, where I'd left my phone charging, and pick it up with slightly trembling hands. I scroll through my contacts, finding the number for my doctor's office, and tap on it. As the phone starts ringing, I pace around the kitchen, my anxiety only growing.

"Hello, this is Dr. Martínez's office," a friendly voice answers on the other end.

"Hi, this is Elena Jurado," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I think I might have a UTI, and I need to make an appointment."

The receptionist's tone immediately softens with understanding. "I'm sorry to hear that, Elena. What is your birthdate?"

"January ninth , two thousand and five," I answer. I hear her typing in the computer.