Hoops & Harmonies

32.

The gym was electric with the sounds of squeaking sneakers and cheering fans. Monica sat in the stands with the kids, all of them wearing Angel's team colors, their excitement palpable. Angel had been playing exceptionally well this season, leading her team through close games and tough competition. Tonight was another intense battle, and as the fourth quarter began, Angel's focus was sharper than ever.

Monica watched as Angel battled in the paint, her eyes trained on the ball as it bounced off the rim. She sprang into the air, aiming to grab the rebound, but as she came down, her feet tangled with another player's. Angel hit the floor hard, her full weight landing on her outstretched hand.

Monica's heart skipped a beat as she saw Angel wince and immediately clutch her wrist. The gym fell silent for a brief moment as Angel stayed on the ground, grimacing in pain. Monica stood up, her hand instinctively moving to her mouth, the kids beside her growing tense.

"Is Mama okay?" one of the kids asked, worry filling their voice.

Monica forced a calm tone, even though her stomach was twisting with anxiety. "I'm not sure, baby. Let's wait and see."

The team's trainer rushed over to Angel, who sat up slowly, her face contorted with pain. Monica could see her wife was trying to shake it off, to stand and continue playing, but the trainer stopped her, examining her wrist before waving for more help. They escorted Angel off the court, and Monica felt the unease rising in her chest.

The next day, Monica and Angel sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office. The tension between them was thick. Angel hadn't said much since the injury, her frustration palpable. Monica tried to comfort her after the game, but Angel had been distant, her mood simmering beneath the surface.

After what felt like hours, the doctor finally came into the room, holding Angel's X-rays. Monica sat up a little straighter, her hand instinctively reaching for Angel's, but Angel pulled her hand away, focusing on the doctor with a hardened expression.

"Well, Angel," the doctor began, flipping the X-ray images up on the screen, "it looks like you've fractured your wrist. The break isn't terrible, but it's bad enough that you're going to need a significant amount of recovery time. I'm sorry to say this, but you're out for the rest of the season."

Angel stared at the X-ray, her jaw clenched so tightly Monica thought she might crack a tooth. "Out for the season?" she asked, her voice sharp with disbelief. "There's no way I can come back earlier?"

The doctor shook his head. "It's important that your wrist heals completely. If you push yourself too hard, it could lead to more damage, and that could jeopardize your ability to play in the future. You need to give it time and follow through with physical therapy."

Angel's face darkened, and Monica could feel her frustration building. "So that's it? Just like that, I'm done?" Angel's tone was bitter, and Monica's heart ached seeing how hard this was hitting her.

"I know it's tough, but this is what's best for you in the long run," the doctor replied gently. "You'll come back stronger next season if you give yourself the time to heal properly."

Angel didn't say another word as they left the office. The ride home was quiet, the silence between them heavy. Monica kept glancing over at Angel, trying to find the right words to offer comfort, but she knew her wife too well—Angel wasn't ready to talk about it yet.

When they finally made it home, the kids greeted them at the door, full of questions. "Mom, are you okay? What did the doctor say?" they asked, their faces full of concern.

Angel forced a tight smile. "I'm fine," she muttered, brushing past them. "I just need to rest."

Monica sighed and gave the kids a reassuring look. "Give Mama some space right now. She's not in the best mood, okay?"

The kids nodded and went off to play, leaving Monica to follow Angel into their bedroom. Angel was already sitting on the edge of the bed, cradling her injured wrist and staring blankly at the floor.

"Angel, talk to me," Monica said gently, sitting beside her.

"What do you want me to say?" Angel snapped, not looking at her. "I'm out for the season. Everything I've worked for, just gone."

"I know you're upset," Monica replied, keeping her voice calm, "but you'll heal. This isn't the end of your career."

Angel's head snapped up, her eyes flashing with anger. "You don't get it, Monica! Basketball is all I have! And now, because of one stupid fall, I'm stuck on the sidelines for the rest of the season."

Monica blinked, taken aback by Angel's sudden outburst. She had seen her wife frustrated before, but this felt different. There was a rawness in Angel's voice that cut deep.

"I do get it," Monica said, her voice firm. "But you can't take your anger out on me. I'm your wife. I'm here to support you, but I won't stand here and let you disrespect me because you're mad."

Angel's eyes softened slightly, but her frustration was still evident. "I'm not trying to disrespect you, Monica. I'm just—" She ran a hand through her hair, sighing heavily. "I'm pissed off. I don't know how to deal with this."

"I understand that," Monica said, her tone softer now. "I know how much basketball means to you. But you can't shut me out and snap at me just because things aren't going the way you want. We're in this together, Angel."

Angel's shoulders slumped, the fight leaving her body. "I don't know what to do," she admitted quietly. "I've never been sidelined like this. I feel... useless."

"You're not useless," Monica said, reaching for her hand. "You're still Angel. You're still a great player, and you'll come back from this. But you have to let yourself heal, and you have to let me help you."

Angel looked down at their hands, her thumb gently brushing over Monica's. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I just feel so helpless."

Monica smiled softly, leaning in to kiss Angel's forehead. "I know, baby. But we'll get through this. You'll heal, and when you're ready, you'll get back out there and be better than ever."

Angel nodded, leaning into Monica's embrace, her frustration slowly melting into acceptance. "I guess I just need to learn how to be patient."

Monica chuckled softly. "Patience is definitely something we can work on together."

They sat there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, knowing that the road ahead would be challenging—but also knowing that they'd face it side by side.