Just One

Chapters 25 and 26

Chapter – 25 LEEO: "Dr. Donald, it was just a stumble."

While I'm waiting for the CT scan results, I'm looking back over the latest events in my life. Just a few months ago, I had a structured plan for my future, with well-defined goals and a clear vision of how my life should unfold. Among these plans is the goal of being accepted into Stanford University. The prospect of moving to California and exploring new horizons represents a significant step toward my goals and a chance for personal and professional growth. If I don't get this approval, I'll pursue my goals by growing at UCF College of Medicine, right here in Orlando, where I also have the chance to fulfill myself professionally.

My parents are doctors and are very happy that I have chosen the field of medicine, too. My mother, in particular, is even happier since she comes from a family of doctors. I am still determining which area of medicine I want to specialize in, but at first, I'm more inclined towards sports medicine.

I have always been a good athlete, but I am not very disciplined when it comes to training. I need to improve this skill a lot. So, becoming a professional athlete was never one of my goals.

I have never experienced such an intense headache as the one I'm feeling right now. It permeates every thought of mine, fueling my apprehension about the result of the CT scan. Regardless of the diagnosis, one worry hangs over me: the possibility that my life could be drastically changed. I'm aware that life is an unpredictable journey and that we don't always have control over the events that happen to us.

When I think about the things I have yet to do and want to accomplish, a particular picture comes to my mind: a beautiful girl. Last Saturday's memories are so vivid that they remain etched in my brain. However, to ensure they don't get lost, the universe has also provided a way of immortalizing them on video, in case my memory fails me.

Every detail of that special date is fresh in my head. The sparkle in her eyes, her charming smile, and her touch stirred my heart even more. These constant memories are both a blessing and a torture. On the one hand, remembering them fills me with joy. On the other hand, the longing and eagerness to relive those sensations consume me. I realize that now the fuel that drives my journey is different, and it has a name.

Faced with today's events, Zack's anger, and the words he spoke to me, I began to question if there was any truth to his accusations. Perhaps there is some foundation in his claim that I have always desired what he has, but I must point out that the only valuable aspect he possesses is Anna's company, which awakens in me a desire I have nurtured since I was 13.

Amid these thoughts, I make a promise to myself and the universe. If I come out of this unscathed and healthy, I will allow Zack to go his own way, without interference from me, but obviously without Anna's companionship. However, if I suffer any damage or sequelae because of this fight, I won't be able to forgive. I will seek justice and ensure that he takes full responsibility for his actions. I've never wished harm upon anyone until now, but he has no right to shorten my time in this world. I still have a story to write alongside the love of my life.

As I let my mind wander, asking for fate, justice, and divine will to guide my steps, I keep my eyes closed, avoiding having to discuss the incident with my mother, who is anxiously awaiting the medical results, sitting in a chair next to me.

A few minutes later, Dr. Donald, a family friend, enters the room to discuss the test results. He greets my mother, Martha, in a casual tone: "Hello, Martha, how are you? As soon as I heard that the patient was Leeo, I decided to follow the case closely. From what I can see, you've taken quite a beating, Dr. Leeo. What happened? Did you take someone's girlfriend, hahaha?"