I didn't choose her, my heart did

The support

Keira's POV:

The days began to flow into each other. Every morning started the same: I walked up the hospital corridor, got coffee that I barely touched, and took my place next to Lucy's bed. It was as if the world outside this room no longer existed. My life revolved solely around her, and I did not mind that at all.

Lucy's condition was stable, and although the infection seemed to be under control, she was still weak. Her recovery was slow, agonisingly slow. Sometimes it felt like I was in more pain than she was, just seeing her like this. But I stayed strong. For her.

_

One morning, while I was reading my book, I heard her voice. 'Kei...'

I looked up, instantly alert. 'Lucy?'

She smiled weakly, her face still pale, but there was a glimmer of energy in her eyes that I hadn't seen for days.

'You look like you haven't slept for a month,' she teased, her voice soft but with that familiar tone of her humour.

I smiled through my tears. 'Thank you, truly a compliment.'

She blinked slowly, her hand moving slightly. 'Come closer.'

I leaned towards her, and before I knew it, I felt her hand on my cheek. 'I'm fine, Kei,' she whispered. 'It might take a while, but I'll get through this.'

Those words, simple and soft, gave me more hope than anything a doctor could have ever told me.

_

The weeks that followed were a slow but steady journey. Lucy got stronger and stronger, but everything went in small steps. First there was the moment when she could sit upright without help. Then, with much effort, she took her first few steps. I was there every time, ready to catch her if needed.

'I'm so glad the paparazzi don't see this,' she joked as she shuffled through the hospital room with a walker.

'They would praise you for your perseverance,' I bounced back, watching her closely.

She turned and looked at me, her eyes serious. 'No,' she said softly. 'They would only see me as a weak moment. But you... you always see me as strong. I'm grateful for that.'

Those words stuck in my head for a long time.

_

One afternoon, while Lucy was taking a nap, I heard a knock on the door. I opened it and saw Ella standing there, holding a bag and a slightly strained smile on her face.

'I thought you could use this,' she said as she handed the bag to me.

I looked inside and saw some of Lucy's favourite snacks, a hoodie she always wore, and a small photo of our team during a win. It made me smile.

'Thank you, Ella,' I said sincerely.

She stood for a moment, as if to say she was sorry for how everything had turned out, but eventually she just nodded and left.

_

After weeks of hospital visits, the day came when Lucy was finally allowed to go home. She was still walking a little shakily, and I was constantly beside her, ready to support her.

'Keira, I'm not an old person,' she sighed, stumbling towards the front door.

'I'm not saying that,' I grinned. 'But you are my patient, so get used to it.'

She rolled her eyes, but I saw the small smile on her lips.

Inside, she plopped down on the couch, clearly exhausted from the ride. Narla immediately approached her, her tail wagging with joy. Lucy petted her gently and then looked at me.

'What now?' she asked.

I smiled and sat down next to her. 'Now? Now we are going to do this together, Luce. One day at a time.'

_

Recovery at home was not easy. Lucy struggled to regain her energy, and although she never complained, I could see the frustration in her eyes. Especially when she looked at old pictures of games, of our time on the pitch.

'Do you think I will ever play again?' she asked one evening out of the blue.

I looked up from my book. 'Of course you will,' I said without hesitation.

She frowned. 'You can't know that.'

'Lucy Bronze doesn't give up,' I said with a grin. 'It's in your contract or something.'

She laughed, but I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. 'Kei... if I can't do it...'

I slid closer to her and took her hand. 'Then that's not the end of the world. You're more than a footballer, Lucy. You're my Lucy.'

That seemed to reassure her, at least for that moment.

_

One day, during a rehabilitation session, Lucy stood up and walked a few steps towards me unaided. It was a small gesture, but to us it felt like a huge victory.

'I told you you could do this,' I said proudly.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling. 'I know. But it helps that you believe in me.'

It seemed like we were finally making progress, like the hard times were behind us. But nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.

During a routine check-up, the doctor brought us news I did not see coming.

'Lucy's muscles are recovering well, but her stamina... it may take months. It may even be permanently affected.'

I felt my throat clench. Lucy's dream of returning to the field was suddenly hanging by a thread.

Later that evening, as I sat next to her, she finally voiced her worst fears. 'Keira... what if I am never that Lucy again? The Lucy you met, the one everyone knows?'

I grabbed her hand firmly and looked straight at her. 'Lucy, you will always be the Lucy I know. Nothing changes that.'

She seemed to consider that, but I knew the uncertainty continued to haunt her.

_

Weeks later, on a cold morning, I was standing in the kitchen when I heard a thump. I ran to the living room and found Lucy on the floor, her face contorted in pain.

'Lucy!' I cried, trying to help her gently.

'I... I didn't feel my leg,' she whispered, her voice trembling.

My heart pounded in my chest. This was new, and I knew it was not good. As I held her and waited for help, I felt the fear return, heavier than ever.

What did this mean? Was it a relapse? Or something that would change our lives forever?