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Y/NS POV "We're simply going to make an incision right here" Dr. Lepton lightly drags her gloved finger down my right knee "and insert a tiny camera to see the inside of your knee. We'll remove damaged ligaments, insert a bone graft, and throw in some screws, sutures, buttons, or staples, whatever we need to make sure to fix this your ACL. Sounds good?"
"Yes ma'am, do anything you need, it's all yours" I smile at her.
I'm wearing a hospital gown with a blue bouffant cap covering my bun and a blanket covering my lower half, having my right leg exposed.
Jesus it's always cold in hospitals.
"Any questions before we begin?"
"I think I'm all-"
"How long is the healing process? Will she ever play basketball again? How long is physical therapy?" My mom interrupts.
"Hey, it's fine. It happens all the time. Remember Paige, Azzi, Aubrey? Same situation and they're okay" I reassure her. As much as I'm afraid I won't ever play for some magical reason, I have to think realistically. I'll be on the court, just not now.
"Okay sorry, I just need to make sure you'll be okay, I know this is important to you"
"I know mom but it'll be okay" I look at her as a few tears run down her face.
My heart slightly breaks for her. She knows how important basketball is to me and it is, it means the absolute world to me, but overthinking gets us no where.
"Alright, take her away Doctor" she chuckles while wiping her tears.
Dr. Lepton laughs "we'll take perfect care of your daughter, you have nothing to worry about, and she's right. I've seen flawless recoveries from other players, it just takes a lot of time but it's worth it". She says while putting down the sides of the hospital beds and lifting up the bed stopper "I would normally let the nurses take you to the operation room, but I hate to say it..I'm a bit of a fan of your work"
I look at her in surprise "oh, actually?"
"All my daughter talks about is UConn this, UConn that. She made us celebrate your win against Syracuse."
"Aw that's cute, I appreciate yalls support" I giggle hearing about her daughter.
"How could I not with a great team you guys represent for our state. Other than that, are you ready?"
I take a deep breath "let's get this thing over with"
"I love you, Dove" my mom kisses my forehead.
"I love you too, mommy" I kiss her cheek and the bed begins to move.
I'm slowly rolling down the hallway, feeling my heart begin to beat faster and faster. I keep telling myself that everything in the OR will go smoothly but I can't help but think about pretty much everything that will go wrong. What if they leave something in there and I like...I don't know..die.
