unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

A Step Toward Healing

Ella sat in the waiting room of Dr. Larsen's office, her foot tapping against the floor as she glanced around the small, warmly lit room. Soft music played in the background, intended to soothe nerves, but Ella's stomach churned with anticipation. She had spent the entire morning second-guessing this appointment, torn between the hope that therapy might help and the fear of opening up her darkest thoughts to someone she barely knew.

She glanced down at her phone, seeing Leah's text from earlier that morning:

"I'm proud of you. Text me if you need anything. I'll see you later at home ❤️"

Ella took a deep breath, finding a small measure of calm in Leah's words. This was for her—she had to remind herself that, above all, this was a step toward her own healing. Leah had been unwavering in her support, and Ella was finally beginning to realize that maybe she could find the strength to help herself too.

The door opened, and a warm, welcoming woman with kind eyes appeared. "Ella? I'm Dr. Larsen," she said, gesturing for Ella to follow her into a cozy office filled with comfortable chairs and a soft, neutral palette.

Ella sat down on the couch across from Dr. Larsen, trying to quiet the nerves buzzing in her chest. The therapist gave her a gentle smile and settled into her chair.

"You made it here, and that's already a huge step," Dr. Larsen began, her voice calm and steady. "So, why don't we start with whatever feels comfortable for you? There's no pressure—just whatever you'd like to share."

Ella took a moment, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of her sweater. She wasn't sure where to start, how to begin explaining the complex mess she felt inside. But as she met Dr. Larsen's gaze, something in her softened. Maybe, just maybe, she could do this.

"I... I've been feeling overwhelmed," she started, her voice barely a whisper. "Like I'm carrying so much that I can't even breathe sometimes. And no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to let it go."

Dr. Larsen nodded, her expression calm and attentive. "That's very brave of you to share, Ella. It sounds like you've been trying to handle a lot on your own."

Ella nodded, swallowing hard. "I have this need to be strong for everyone else, especially at work, and... and for Leah. I know she loves me, and she's so supportive, but I feel like if I show her how much I'm struggling, it'll become too much for her."

Dr. Larsen leaned forward slightly, her tone understanding. "You're human, Ella. We all have limits, no matter how much we try to be strong. And sometimes, letting people in isn't a sign of weakness—it's a way to connect, to allow ourselves to be loved fully, even in our most vulnerable moments."

Ella felt a flicker of something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time: hope. She realized that Dr. Larsen was right. Leah had seen her at her worst, had stood by her even when Ella tried to hide, and maybe it was okay to share the weight of her struggles.

For the next hour, she talked about the feelings she'd buried, the fear of being vulnerable, the way the assault at the bar had shaken her, and the pressures of her work at the hospital. Dr. Larsen listened patiently, offering gentle guidance, helping her navigate her tangled emotions without judgment. By the time the session ended, Ella felt both lighter and exhausted, like she had finally released a part of herself she'd held back for far too long.

Meanwhile, across town, Leah was wrapping up an intense training session with Arsenal. She'd spent the morning pushing herself hard, trying to shake off the nagging worry for Ella. She knew that Ella's first therapy session was today, and though she was immensely proud of her for taking this step, she couldn't help but feel a bit anxious.

After their final drill, Beth jogged over to Leah, nudging her playfully. "Someone's got her game face on today," Beth teased, raising an eyebrow. "You okay?"

Leah managed a small smile, catching her breath. "Yeah, just... a lot on my mind." She hesitated, unsure if she should open up, but Beth was one of her closest friends, someone she trusted deeply. "Ella's at her first therapy session today."

Beth's expression softened, understanding flashing in her eyes. "That's a big step. She's lucky to have you by her side."

Leah nodded, letting out a sigh as they walked back to the locker room. "I just hope she feels safe enough to let it all out, you know? She carries so much, and sometimes, I think she's afraid of letting people in."

Beth gave her a reassuring smile. "It'll take time, but she'll get there. And she knows you're there, no matter what."

Leah smiled back, grateful for Beth's support. They headed into the locker room, where the rest of the team was already changing, laughter and lighthearted chatter filling the space. Though Leah enjoyed the camaraderie, her thoughts drifted to Ella, hoping that by the time she returned home, Ella would feel a little lighter, a little less burdened.

That evening, Leah returned home, her heart lifting when she saw Ella curled up on the couch, a soft smile greeting her as she walked in.

"Hey, you," Leah said, slipping off her jacket and joining Ella on the couch. "How did it go?"

Ella took Leah's hand, her eyes bright but calm. "It was... good. Hard, but good. I think it's going to help." She gave Leah's hand a gentle squeeze, her gaze steady. "Thank you, Leah. For being there, for pushing me even when I was afraid to take this step."

Leah leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to Ella's forehead. "I'm so proud of you, Ella. And you don't have to thank me for any of this. I love you, and I'm here for all of it."

Ella rested her head on Leah's shoulder, her heart feeling a little less heavy. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was exactly where she needed to be—on the path to healing, with Leah by her side. And though the journey ahead would be long, Ella felt ready to face it, one step at a time.