When sparks fly... [a Roman Reigns story]

16 Give up

Amali POV

"Okay, Amali... 10 more." said the trainer as I stood in front of the mirror and started the next stage with the resistance bands.

But I didn't even manage 2 reps with them as the pain shot through my shoulder and down my arm. I let it go in between before gripping my upper arm in frustration.

"Do it again in a minute. Don't give up." he said as he bent down to put the band back in my hands.

"I can't. It's too hard." I replied.

"Just try. Please. If you can't, then we'll go back to the previous level. But you have to at least try to improve," he explained.

Sighing, I gave in and tried. But it was no use. This time, too, I didn't manage more than 2. Frustrated, I threw it on the floor and kicked it away. Then, disappointed with myself, I plopped down on a chair.

"I know it doesn't seem like it, but you're making progress, Amali. You'll be fine." Zack said as he knelt down in front of me.

"It doesn't seem like it at all. Not even a little bit. We've been doing this for so long and it's not getting any better." I replied.

"Because you're putting too much pressure on yourself." he said.

"No, quite the opposite. I'm so sick of it. I just want to give up. Part of me knows that it will never be the same as it used to be anyway." I mumbled.

"Is that it? You want to give up? One inconvenience and you're going to throw in the towel?" he wanted to know.

I didn't say anything back. Because I didn't know what to say. Sure, I no longer had to wear the sling and I could use my hand again to some extent. But what was the point if I couldn't even lift my arm enough to brush my teeth with the other hand or wash my hair with both?

It just took me too long. I had never been patient and that was now taking its toll on my mental health.

*****

Sighing, I searched for a movie or series that I hadn't seen 15 times yet. But that was difficult because I had watched a lot recently. Because there wasn't much else I could do.

But then suddenly the doorbell rang. That was strange. I wasn't expecting anyone and my parents were both at work.

"Uncle Pauli! What are you doing here?" I asked when I saw who was standing in front of my door.

I hugged him with my good arm before stepping aside to let him in.

"I wanted to see how you were doing, Amali Mae. After all, you ignore most of my calls." he finally replied.

"Oh... yes, I'm sorry about that. I just wasn't in the mood to talk much." I said as we sat down.

"Sorry about the mess... I haven't been here too often lately." I replied.

"Don't think about it. Now tell me... How are you?" he wanted to know.

"Why do I get the feeling that Dad asked you to come over?" I asked instead.

"Maybe because that's the way it is. Your parents are worried. And so is Roman, by the way. So speak up. I'm not leaving until you tell me," he replied.

"To be honest, I don't know. It's difficult. I've never had an injury this serious and the healing and rehabilitation process takes too long for me. I don't even know if there's any point, you know? No one can tell me if or when I can start exercising properly again. It's already been months. I wonder if it wouldn't be easier to give up," I told him quietly.

"Give up? Those are words I've never heard you use before, sweetheart. And I never want to hear them again. Just because you need more time doesn't mean you won't come back," Paul said.

"Well... things change..." I whispered.

"Some things don't change. Don't you remember why they call you the prodigy? Because you're gifted, a natural. And you won't let a little thing like that get you down. You will fight. And do you know why?" he replied.

I shook my head.

"Because you love it... and these are the things you fight for. I understand that you're frustrated and probably depressed. But you have help. Hell... if your doctors and trainers can't help you... motivate you... then we'll get you better people.

Have you seen you show lately? The women's division needs you. What Roman is right now for the men's division, you need to become that for the women. Get your determination back. And then your title.

Amali, you've never been one to give up. And I'm not going to stand by and watch you start now. We'll get it done. I'm setting to work to put the best people at your side. Even if it takes a few more months... I don't care if it's another year. You'll be back in the ring. I promise you that," said Paul.

"Do you know that Roman often sounds just like you when he gives me a verbal kick up the backside? I think he's learned from the best," I replied.

"Roman knows just as well as I do what an extraordinary person you are. And none of us will let you waste your talent. He really is extremely concerned about you." Paul then said.

"Yes, I know. I wasn't very fair." I sighed.

*****

Roman POV

I was lifting weights when my phone rang. I quickly wiped off my sweat before reaching for it.

"Hey... How are you? Have you spoken to Amali? And how is she?" I asked immediately.

For a few minutes I just listened to what Paul had to say. And I couldn't believe a lot of it. But I was glad to hear that he had obviously set her straight. Now all we could do was hope that she would pull herself together and put up a good fight like the champion she was.