You drafted my heart - Nika Mühl (Eng. version)

Chapter 24 - Pre Season

November

The months that followed between August and November passed in the blink of an eye, a true blur of days divided between practices, classes, and moments with Nika.

My days began early, the insistent sound of the alarm clock pulling me from the realm of dreams. I would get up, still groggy, and prepare for another day. Mornings were dedicated to intense practices, where I gave myself completely to the court, feeling every muscle in my body work, every drop of sweat trickle down. Transitioning from a classic point guard to a shooting guard wasn't easy, but each precise shot, each fluid movement, made me feel more confident.

After practices, classes took up much of my day. Studying Neuroscience and Biochemistry was challenging yet fascinating. I loved delving into the mysteries of the human brain, understanding the chemical processes that governed our emotions and behaviors. It was a kind of dance, complex and intricate, yet captivating. The bustling corridors of UConn bore witness to my hurried pace, rushing from one classroom to another, books and notebooks in hand. Nika and I shared some psychology classes, which lightened the day. During breaks, we exchanged knowing looks and smiles, cherishing every small moment together.

And then the nights were dedicated to the moments I cherished most: those spent alone with my girlfriend, a blend of study sessions and tranquil moments with her. We found a perfect balance between our academic responsibilities and time for ourselves. Often, we met in the library, studying in quietude but comforted by each other's presence. Other times, we walked across campus, hand in hand, enjoying the crisp autumn breeze and discussing our day.

On weekends, we explored every corner of Storrs together, discovering new cafes, hidden bookstores, and peaceful parks. Each outing, each shared meal, was a small refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Nika had a special way of turning simple moments into something magical, and being with her was like finding a piece of paradise amidst chaos.

And so, days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Before I knew it, it was the first week of November. Autumn painted Connecticut's landscapes in shades of orange and red, and the air grew cooler. A mix of anxiety and excitement washed over me. My first official game for UConn was fast approaching. Even though it was just an exhibition game against Kutztown, the pressure was palpable. 

I knew all eyes would be on me.

I remembered how it felt to take my first steps onto the UConn court, how small I felt against such a large and talented team. But over time, I found my place, my rhythm. My connection with my new teammates grew, especially with Nika, who was always there to encourage and support me.

That week, each practice felt more intense, each shot more crucial. I focused on every detail, every movement, wanting to be prepared to give my best. The night before the game, I could hardly sleep. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, a thousand thoughts racing through my mind. I remembered everything that brought me to this point, every challenge overcome, every moment of doubt, and every victory earned.

On the morning of November 6th, I woke up earlier than needed. I took advantage of the extra time for a running session in the campus gym. Adrenaline was already coursing through my veins, and I needed to release some of that energy before the big game.

The gym was nearly empty, which gave me the peace and focus I needed. I plugged in my headphones and started running on the treadmill, feeling the steady rhythm of my steps and the music enveloping me. Each mile I covered seemed to diminish some of the anxiety I felt.

After the run, I returned to my room to find Nika still asleep. She looked so peaceful, and her presence brought me immediate calm. I made as little noise as possible as I prepared to take a shower, trying not to wake her.