That evening, Yn and Summer sat in a cozy little tapas bar nestled in the heart of Madrid. They’d wandered the city all afternoon, exploring winding streets, stopping at a few cafes, and soaking in the unique charm of the place. It felt like a fresh beginning, not just for Yn’s career but for her as a person.
"Honestly, I didn’t think I’d settle in this quickly," Yn admitted, swirling her drink. "I was nervous about meeting everyone, but they were so welcoming. I think I actually fit in here."
Summer grinned, leaning in with that supportive look in her eyes. "I could tell, even from the sidelines. I’ve never seen you that confident. You belong here, Yn."
Yn chuckled, still amazed. "You think so? It’s weird. I thought leaving Arsenal would feel like...like losing a part of myself. But it doesn’t. Being here feels like I’m...finding myself, somehow."
"That’s exactly it," Summer agreed. "Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone to see who we really are. I’m proud of you for taking that step."
Yn looked around the bustling bar, letting the reality sink in. "I mean, I miss them already—Leah, Katie, all the girls. They’re family, you know? But this...this is something I need to do for me."
Summer placed a comforting hand over Yn’s. "They’ll always be there. Besides, they’re probably just a call or flight away. And who knows? Maybe this is only the beginning. You’ve got so much ahead of you."
Yn smiled, grateful for Summer’s encouragement. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, just taking it all in. But Yn’s phone buzzed, breaking the quiet atmosphere.
It was a message from Leah: How’s Madrid treating you? Not missing our banter too much, are you? ;)
Yn laughed, showing the message to Summer. "See? They’re already checking in."
Summer laughed, shaking her head. "Told you they’d miss you! Go ahead, tell her how amazing it is."
Yn quickly typed a response: It’s great! Training was amazing today, and everyone’s been super welcoming. But don’t worry, no one can replace you guys!
Almost immediately, Leah responded: Good to hear. But remember, no matter how good it is, Arsenal will always be your home.
Yn’s heart warmed at Leah’s words. "I really am lucky to have them," she murmured.
"Yeah," Summer replied softly. "But you’re also brave for stepping out. That takes courage."
The rest of the night was filled with laughter, tapas, and stories. For the first time in a long time, Yn felt genuinely happy. She was finally putting herself first and embracing the possibilities that lay ahead.
---
The next morning, Yn arrived at Atletico’s training ground, ready to give it her all. She was in high spirits, focused, and eager to show everyone what she was capable of. Her teammates greeted her with friendly nods and waves, and she quickly joined them for warm-ups.
Rasheedat jogged over, giving Yn a friendly nudge. "Ready to bring that Arsenal fire today?"
Yn laughed, stretching her arms. "Always. Just don’t be too surprised if I go a little easy on you."
"Oh, please," Rasheedat scoffed. "We’re not looking for ‘easy’ here. Bring your best game, Yn."
Gio joined them, overhearing. "You’ll soon learn that Rasheedat here doesn’t go easy on anyone. Better be ready."
Yn grinned, feeling the familiar thrill of competition. "I’m here to learn and bring my best, don’t worry."
Manolo blew the whistle, signaling the start of the session. Training was intense, focused, and demanding. But Yn thrived in the challenge, finding herself pushing harder and feeling the satisfaction that came with it. She already felt a rhythm developing with her new teammates, especially with Rasheedat and Ainhoa.
During a break, Gio walked over, wiping sweat from her brow. "You’re fitting in well, Yn. I can tell you’re in your element."
Yn took a swig of water, breathing hard. "I feel good here. It’s strange, but it’s almost like this is where I was meant to be, at least for now."
"That’s how you know you made the right choice," Gio said, nodding. "Keep it up, and you’ll be a force on this team."
---
Later that evening, Yn returned to the hotel to find Summer sprawled out on the couch, scrolling through her phone.
"Hey, superstar," Summer greeted with a grin. "How was it?"
Yn collapsed into a chair, a huge smile on her face. "It was incredible. Hard work, but I feel like I’m finally where I need to be."
Summer raised an eyebrow, smirking. "See, I told you."
Yn laughed. "Okay, okay, you were right. But it’s not just that. There’s this energy here, you know? I feel like I can really push myself without the weight of all the expectations I had at Arsenal."
Summer nodded, leaning forward. "Sometimes that’s all we need—a place where we can just...breathe and be ourselves."
Yn sighed, letting the weight of the last few months finally lift. "I’ve needed this more than I realized."
They spent the rest of the night relaxing, sharing stories from their day, and mapping out places to explore around Madrid. Yn felt content, excited for the challenges ahead but also grateful for the support Summer continued to offer.
---
The next day, training was even more intense. Manolo put them through various drills focused on teamwork and tactics. Yn found herself naturally falling into place with her teammates, each session cementing her role more and more.
During a short break, Ainhoa approached her, holding out a sports drink. "You’ve got talent, Yn. It’s no wonder Arsenal wanted to keep you."
Yn smiled, accepting the drink. "Thank you. Coming here, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but you’ve all made it easier."
"That’s how we are here," Ainhoa said. "We’re a team, on and off the pitch. And if you need anything, we’re here."
The words hit Yn, a reminder of the camaraderie that made football so special. "Thank you, Ainhoa. That means a lot."
Ainhoa gave a small nod, her expression sincere. "It’s a fresh start for all of us when a new player joins. We’re glad it’s you."
As the session continued, Yn felt herself pushing harder, her confidence building with each drill. She knew that she’d made the right decision—not just for her career but for herself.
---
That evening, Yn returned to the hotel feeling exhausted but fulfilled. Summer was waiting, her face lighting up as soon as Yn walked in.
"So, did you win any hearts out there?" Summer teased, grinning.
Yn laughed, flopping down beside her. "I think I might’ve won a few friends."
Summer squeezed her hand. "That’s just as important."
They spent the rest of the night chatting, planning their weekend, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Madrid. Yn felt more alive than she had in months.
