Le's Soldier

Part 56

The next morning felt wrong before Leah even opened her eyes.

Her stomach twisted, dull and heavy. She swallowed hard, staying still, hoping it would pass. It didn't.

She pushed herself up slowly, breathing through it. Lilly was already gone — early start with cadets. The bed was cold, but Leah could still smell her faintly, smoke and clean soap.

Leah sat there for a minute, rubbing her stomach.

"Come on..." she muttered.

Training.

She forced herself up.

⸻

Arsenal Training – Late Morning

The Arsenal pitch was loud — Katie, Beth, Alessia, and a few others already warming up. Leah jogged over, forcing a smile.

"Look who finally turned up," Katie smirked.

"Shut up," Leah muttered, stretching.

Beth studied her immediately. "You look like shit."

"Thanks."

"No seriously — you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just tired."

Katie kicked a ball lightly at her. "Maldives hangover."

Leah laughed weakly and trapped the ball, but the movement made her stomach roll again.

They started drills — passing, movement, quick transitions. Normally Leah ran it easily, but today she was slower. Half a step behind. Breathing heavier.

Beth noticed.

Always did.

During a break she nudged Leah's shoulder. "You're pale."

"I'm fine."

"You've said that five times."

Leah took a sip of water. It tasted wrong. Her stomach flipped hard.

She swallowed quickly.

Katie jogged over. "You're quiet today. That's weird."

"Just concentrating."

Beth crossed her arms. "She's not concentrating. She's trying not to puke."

Leah shot her a look. "Beth."

"I'm not wrong."

Alessia tilted her head. "You sick?"

"No."

Right on cue, Leah swayed slightly.

Katie grabbed her elbow. "Whoa. Okay maybe you're not fine."

"I just stood up too fast," Leah insisted.

Beth wasn't convinced. "You eat?"

"...toast."

Katie raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

Leah shrugged.

They went back into drills but halfway through Leah stopped, hands on knees, breathing slow. Beth jogged over immediately.

"Leah."

"I'm okay."

"You're shaking."

Leah straightened. "Can we just finish?"

Beth studied her for another second, then nodded reluctantly. "Yeah... but I'm watching you."

Leah tried to smile. It didn't reach her eyes.