Best Mistake ︱Pedri González

76

Luciana's POV

Today was the day.

I could feel the tension buzzing through me as I laced up my spikes, warming up for the 200m heats. The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the track. It was my best event—the one I had always felt most comfortable with—but it was also the race that held the most memories, both good and bad.

I stretched out my legs, running through my drills, trying to calm my nerves. The memory of my torn ACL haunted me sometimes, especially before races like this. But I couldn't let that slow me down. Today wasn't about the past—it was about proving I was stronger now.

From the stands, I could hear my name being called, the familiar voices of my friends making me smile. I glanced up to see Mikky, Frenkie, and little Miles waving enthusiastically. Gavi was sitting next to them, his usual grin plastered across his face. And next to Frenkie, I noticed Jude and Camavinga—my heart lifted at seeing them here. It was always comforting to have friends around, especially when the stakes were high.

"Luciana!" Mikky shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth. "You've got this!"

I smiled and waved back before focusing on the task ahead. The call for my heat echoed through the stadium speakers, and I knew it was time.

Standing at the starting blocks, I took a deep breath. I looked down the track—just 200 meters. I could do this. I'd trained for this.

The gun went off, and I launched myself forward, pumping my arms and driving my legs as fast as they could go. The rhythm felt familiar, my muscles remembering every step, every breath. For a moment, it felt like flying—everything was in sync.

As I rounded the bend, I could feel the other runners behind me, but they weren't a threat. I pushed harder, digging deep into the last stretch. My eyes were locked on the finish line, and I drove myself forward, feeling the adrenaline surge through me.

Crossing the line, I could hear the roar of the crowd, but all I could focus on was my time.

First. I'd come in first.

But I hadn't beaten my personal best.

I slowed down, panting, catching my breath. The win was still a win, but that nagging part of me felt the disappointment of not improving my time. I glanced up at the stands, searching for their reactions.

"YES! LET'S GO!" I heard Pablo's voice booming, followed by a string of swear words as he jumped up from his seat, clearly unable to contain his excitement. "FUCK YEAH"

Mikky quickly smacked him on the arm. "Pablo! Language! Miles is right here!" she scolded, nodding toward the five-year-old, who was covering his ears with an amused smile on his face.

"Oops, my bad," Pablo muttered, trying to look sheepish, but the grin on his face gave him away. "But seriously, she killed it!"

I chuckled, shaking my head, and waved up at them. My legs were still buzzing from the race, but it felt good knowing they were all here cheering me on.

As I walked off the track, I saw Frenkie making his way down toward me with Gavi trailing behind, both of them smiling.

"You're a machine, Luci!" Frenkie grinned, pulling me into a quick hug. "First place and you made it look easy."

I smiled, wiping the sweat off my forehead. "Didn't feel easy. But thanks. Still not my best though."

"You're always too hard on yourself," Gavi said, shaking his head. "That was insane. You're in the semis, that's what matters."