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"For you to know that I'll be here for you, no matter what."

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The evening before the final tournament was filled with a unique mix of calm and tension. Beatrice knew that tomorrow would be decisive—her last Olympic tournament, playing doubles with her partner Theresa. It was something she had trained for over many months, and even though she felt well-prepared, she couldn't shake the nerves.

She and Thomas had agreed to spend the evening together, enjoying the last quiet moments before the challenging day ahead. They chose a small restaurant in the Olympic village, where they could talk peacefully and mentally prepare for what was to come. The atmosphere was relaxed, with dim lighting and a friendly ambiance that brought a sense of security.

As they entered the restaurant, Thomas chivalrously held the door for Beatrice, and they both settled at a table in the corner, where they had plenty of privacy. They ordered a simple meal—pasta with sauce and a fresh salad—and while they waited for their food, they browsed the menu and chatted about the day's events.

"You have a big day tomorrow," Thomas began as the waiter brought their order. "How are you feeling?"

Beatrice took a small bite of her pasta before answering. "I'm a bit nervous," she admitted. "But I think that's normal. It's my last event here at the Olympics, and I want it to go as well as possible. Theresa and I have worked really hard."

Thomas nodded, his expression serious but encouraging. "That's completely understandable. Nerves are actually a good sign—it means you care. And I know you and Theresa make a great team. You've put in so much work, and I believe you'll show that tomorrow."

Beatrice smiled at him, though she was still slightly tense. "You're right," she said. "But I also don't want the nerves to get the best of me. I need to focus and trust what I know."

Thomas reached across the table and gently took her hand in his. "Trust me, Birdie, you'll be amazing. You've got this. All that hard training will pay off tomorrow. And I'll be there to support you."

Beatrice felt warmth spreading through her heart at his words. It was comforting to know that someone believed in her, even when she sometimes doubted herself. "Thank you, Tommy," she replied quietly, giving his hand a squeeze. "I'm glad to have you by my side."

Thomas smiled at her, his gaze full of love and support. "And I'm glad I can be here for you," he said softly. "I get scared sometimes too and doubt myself, but knowing someone believes in me helps me get through it."

Beatrice nodded, feeling her nerves slowly start to fade. She decided to steer the conversation to something that would help her relax. "How are you feeling after your last race?" she asked, shifting the topic to Thomas.

Thomas hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Honestly, I was a bit disappointed," he admitted. "But now that I've had time to think about it, I'm proud of what I accomplished. I've realized it's important not to measure success solely by results. What matters is the effort I put in and how I felt during the race."

MAGIC WATER // THOMAS CECCONWhere stories live. Discover now