The next morning, Caitlin woke up feeling groggy and drained, remnants of last night's emotions clinging to her like a heavy fog. Her apartment was eerily quiet, and the loneliness was suffocating. She avoided looking at her phone, knowing the world was still buzzing about Sam Kerr's heroics, the Matildas' victory, and their qualification for the World Cup.
Katie McCabe's face lingered in Caitlin's mind. She'd heard the concern in Katie's voice last night, the way she hadn't pushed but also hadn't left without letting Caitlin know she cared. It wasn't the first time Katie had stepped in when Caitlin was struggling. Over the months of knowing each other—first as opponents on the pitch, then as friends—they had built a connection that went deeper than football.
By late afternoon, Caitlin's resolve weakened, and she picked up her phone.
Caitlin: "Hey, I'm sorry about last night. Are you free to talk?"
Katie responded almost immediately.
Katie: "Of course. Can I come over?"
Caitlin hesitated but finally typed, "Yeah."
An hour later, Katie was at her door, a bag in one hand and a determined look in her green eyes. Caitlin opened the door, feeling self-conscious in her sweats and messy bun, but Katie didn't seem to care.
"Hey," Katie said softly, stepping inside and setting the bag down. "I brought snacks and tea. I wasn't sure what mood you were in, so I got a bit of everything."
Caitlin couldn't help but smile faintly. "You didn't have to do that."
"Of course I did," Katie replied. "You're my friend, and you're clearly going through something. So, let's talk—or not talk. Whatever you need."
Katie's presence was grounding. She moved around Caitlin's apartment with ease, putting the kettle on and setting out the snacks. Caitlin watched her, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and guilt.
"I'm sorry for shutting you out," Caitlin finally said, sitting on the couch.
Katie joined her, a steaming mug of tea in her hands. "You don't have to apologize, Caitlin. Everyone has bad days. But I hate seeing you like this. You don't have to go through it alone."
Caitlin stared into her mug, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... I know it shouldn't matter who got credit for the goal. But it felt like everything I did out there didn't count. Like I was invisible."
Katie nodded, her expression serious. "I get that. It's not just about the goal, is it? It's about feeling overlooked. Like no matter what you do, it's never enough."
Caitlin's eyes met Katie's, surprised by how accurately she'd hit the mark. "Yeah," she admitted. "Exactly that."
Katie reached out, her hand resting gently on Caitlin's knee. "Listen to me, Caitlin. You're one of the most talented, hardworking players I've ever met. Whether or not the stats or headlines show it, everyone on that pitch knows how much you contributed to that win. You made that goal happen. And you've got nothing to prove to anyone."
Caitlin blinked back tears, Katie's words cutting through the weight she'd been carrying. "Thank you," she whispered.
Katie smiled, her usual fiery demeanor softened by her concern. "That's what friends are for. And if anyone ever tries to say you're not good enough, they'll have to answer to me."
Caitlin laughed, the sound breaking through the tension in her chest. "I'd love to see that."
The evening passed with easy conversation and laughter, Katie's presence like a balm for Caitlin's frayed nerves. As the night deepened, Caitlin felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She realized she didn't have to face her struggles alone—Katie was there, unwavering and fierce in her support.
Before Katie left, she gave Caitlin a tight hug. "Promise me something," she said, her voice serious again.
"What?" Caitlin asked.
"Next time you feel like shutting everyone out, call me first," Katie said. "Even if you don't want to talk, just let me know you're okay."
Caitlin nodded, her throat tight. "I promise."
As Katie walked out the door, Caitlin felt a warmth she hadn't felt in days. Maybe things weren't perfect, but with Katie in her corner, she knew she could face whatever came next.
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WSL Oneshots
FanfictionA story of various one shots from across the WSL with some Lionesses and Matildas ones included too
