Yn had just started to doze off on the couch one evening when Summer strolled in, a grin stretched across her face. She nudged Yn’s shoulder gently.
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” Summer said, her voice teasing. “I have a surprise for you.”
Yn rubbed her eyes, looking up at Summer in confusion. “A surprise? What is it?”
Summer’s grin only widened. “Pack a bag, Yn. We’re going on a little getaway.”
Yn blinked, sitting up straighter. “Wait, where are we going?”
“Scotland!” Summer announced proudly. “I booked us a few nights in Edinburgh. I thought a change of scenery would be perfect for you to unwind and just… enjoy yourself.”
A huge smile broke across Yn’s face. “Summer, you didn’t have to do that!”
Summer shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Oh, come on, I know you’ve been wanting to go. And besides, it’s not every day we get to explore such a beautiful city together. I want us to make some good memories.”
Yn jumped up, hugging Summer tightly. “You’re amazing. Thank you.”
---
The next day, they set off from Yn’s apartment, excitement buzzing in the air as they made their way to the train station. Yn watched the countryside roll by, feeling her worries slip away with every passing mile. When they finally arrived in Edinburgh, the crisp air and old-world charm of the city wrapped around them, giving Yn a sense of calm she hadn’t felt in ages.
They spent the first day wandering through cobblestone streets, exploring quaint cafes, and visiting famous landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle. Yn’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she took it all in, and Summer couldn’t stop smiling, happy to see her in such high spirits.
On their second day, they hiked up Arthur’s Seat, taking in the stunning views of the city. They laughed, took photos, and even had a mini picnic at the top.
“This place is incredible,” Yn said, catching her breath as she looked out over the city.
Summer nodded, gazing at Yn. “I thought you’d like it here. And I was right. You seem… more yourself here.”
Yn took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill her lungs. “Yeah. I feel free. Like… all the heavy stuff from the past few months just isn’t here with me.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted for you,” Summer said softly, taking Yn’s hand and giving it a squeeze.
The days flew by, filled with laughter, late-night chats, and exploring every nook and cranny of Edinburgh. Yn felt her spirit lifting with each moment, a sense of peace settling in her heart that had felt unreachable for so long.
---
On their journey back to London, they sat side by side on the train, the soothing rhythm of the train lulling them into a relaxed silence. Yn glanced over at Summer, a thought nagging at her. She hesitated, then finally spoke up.
“Summer, can I ask you something?”
Summer looked up, giving Yn her full attention. “Of course. What’s up?”
Yn fiddled with the hem of her jacket, her gaze dropping to her hands. “Do you think… do you think I should go back to playing football?”
Summer took a moment to answer, studying Yn’s face carefully. “Do you want to go back?”
Yn shrugged, sighing. “That’s the thing. I miss it, you know? But… I’m scared. Scared of going back and feeling like I’ve lost everything I worked for, or that I’ll be haunted by everything that happened.”
Summer nodded thoughtfully. “I get that. It’s a huge part of your life, but it also came with a lot of pain, especially recently.”
Yn looked out the window, watching the scenery flash by. “It’s just… without football, I feel a bit lost. Like I don’t know who I am anymore.”
Summer reached over, taking Yn’s hand gently. “You’re Yn. You’re strong, passionate, and resilient. Football doesn’t define you. You define you. But if you miss it, and you still feel that fire for it… then maybe it’s worth trying.”
Yn turned back to Summer, her eyes softening. “You really think I can do it?”
Summer’s gaze was unwavering. “I think you can do anything you set your mind to. I’ve seen how determined you are, how hard you’ve worked. If going back to football is what you want, then I’ll support you every step of the way.”
Yn smiled, squeezing Summer’s hand. “I don’t deserve you, you know that?”
Summer laughed, nudging her playfully. “Oh, stop it. You deserve everything good, Yn. And you deserve to do what makes you happy. So, if football makes you happy, I say go for it.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the train gliding through the English countryside. Yn could feel a small spark of hope reigniting inside her, a whisper of the joy she used to feel every time she stepped onto the pitch.
“I think…” Yn said slowly, “I think I want to give it a shot. Maybe go back to training, see how it feels.”
Summer beamed, pride shining in her eyes. “That sounds like a great plan. And who knows? Maybe this time, it’ll be different. You’re different now—you’ve been through so much, and you’re stronger for it.”
Yn nodded, feeling her heart swell with determination. “Yeah. Maybe I’ll surprise myself.”
Summer grinned. “And I’ll be right there cheering you on, every step of the way.”
They chatted for the rest of the journey, making plans for Yn’s tentative return to training, discussing what it would be like to face her teammates again, and laughing about the possible reactions of her friends.
---
By the time they arrived back at Yn’s apartment, Yn felt lighter than she had in months. She stepped through the door, glancing around as if seeing her home with fresh eyes.
“Welcome back,” Summer said, setting down their bags. “How does it feel to be home?”
Yn looked around, then back at Summer, a soft smile on her lips. “It feels good. Really good.”
Summer nodded, sitting on the arm of the couch. “So, what’s the plan? When do you want to reach out to your coach?”
Yn hesitated, then pulled out her phone. “No time like the present, right?”
Summer watched as Yn typed out a message to her coach, her fingers moving with a confidence she hadn’t felt in a long time. She pressed send, exhaling as if she’d been holding her breath.
“There,” Yn said, her voice filled with a mix of nerves and excitement. “Now I just wait.”
Summer wrapped her arm around Yn’s shoulders. “Whatever happens, just know I’m so proud of you for taking this step.”
Yn leaned into her, smiling softly. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have made it here without you.”
Summer chuckled, giving her a gentle squeeze. “Oh, come on. You would’ve found your way. I’m just lucky I got to be along for the ride.”
They spent the rest of the evening unwinding, laughing, and sharing stories from their trip. As the night wore on, Yn found herself filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Football was calling her back, and she was finally ready to answer.
