Ready To Start Training

Benjamin's return home was followed by a leisurely, steady rhythm of days.

The crutches became an extension of his body since, despite its recovery, his left leg remained weak. Though it took some time to come to terms with the major change in his life, he was adamant about persevering. That was how much he owed his parents and younger sister, Ayo.

The maid, Anna, soon established herself as a comforting presence in the house. Benjamin wasn't sure how he felt about her presence at first. Having someone else look after the house his mother had once so tenderly maintained was odd.

But as the days went by, he became used to Anna's calm, collected approach to things.

Benjamin liked that she didn't bother him or ask too many questions. Without being intrusive, she cooked basic meals, cleaned, and made sure he was comfortable.

Coach Jansen visited often, sometimes to chat and other times to assist Benjamin with leg exercises.

Every visit brought back memories of football, the outside world, and all of his former dreams. Every time Coach Jansen brought up the most recent academy news or a game he had seen, it was difficult to avoid feeling a pang of longing.

However, Benjamin kept his thoughts to himself because he was at a loss for words to describe the raging tempest of emotions inside of him.

Benjamin used to lie in bed and stare at the ceiling in the middle of the night when the house was quiet. His thoughts frequently strayed to memories of his family.

His mother's quiet humming while working in the kitchen, his father's loud chuckle while they watched games together, and Ayo's infectious energy when she attempted to demonstrate her own football skills.

Even though they were no longer with him, during those silent times it seemed as though they were still there, observing and waiting for him to rise again.

Benjamin would mutter, "I'll make you proud," to the empty room. "I'll bring smiles to your faces in heaven."

***

As fall gradually gave way to spring, two months passed, and June 2012 finally arrived.

Once again, Benjamin's body felt more like his own. He gradually stopped using his crutches until he could walk without them.

Even though he couldn't put much weight on his left leg and it still felt frail, it was a step in the right direction. Progress also represented hope.

Benjamin began to consider the future as he had greater freedom to walk around the house. Despite everything that had transpired, his desire to become a football legend had not diminished.

The defeat and the anguish had, if anything, made him more determined.

He refused to let the tragic event define him or put a stop to his career before it had really started. He couldn't stand the idea of disappointing his parents and Ayo, who had put their faith in him.

Benjamin was sitting in the living room one day when he looked at the sliding door leading to the backyard. It had been months since he had gone out there prior to the disaster.

Something inside of him sparked at the idea of going outside, feeling the grass underfoot, and breathing in the fresh air. More than that, he recalled the little training area his father had constructed in the backyard.

His father had been a passionate football supporter who never missed a match and had always encouraged Benjamin to follow his aspirations.

His father had created a personal training area with a treadmill, weights, and a small goalpost in a corner of the yard a few years prior.

Although Benjamin hadn't used it since he began attending the academy on a regular basis, the thought of working out once more felt like the next step in his recuperation.

Benjamin asked Anna to assist him in opening the training room that afternoon. With a creak, the door opened to show a rather dusty but still usable room.

Although the equipment was out-of-date, but it was recognizable, and Benjamin experienced a wave of calmness as soon as he entered.

He had pushed himself to grow better and make progress here, where he had previously felt strong. He needed that sensation once again.

He started out slowly with basic movements and light stretching that will help his body adjust to exercise once more.

He didn't exert too much force on his left leg, which was still weak. He was aware that getting better would take time. He reminded himself to be patient.

'One step at a time.' he thought.

Benjamin's routine became more structured as the days stretched into weeks.

He would take quick strolls and small jogs about the neighborhood in the mornings, progressively increasing his stamina.

He would dedicate his afternoons to working out in order to rebuild his strength and fitness.

As he pushed the boundaries of his endurance, the treadmill became his best buddy. Some days were more difficult than others; at times, he felt like his frustration would overcome him, and his leg pain flared up, reminding him that he was still not completely recovered.

But Benjamin persevered even during the challenging times. Football was the only thing on his mind.

He imagined himself back on the field, running with the ball at his feet, dribbling past defenders while the spectators in the stands roared.

He could feel the surge of adrenaline. Even when it seemed like his body was betraying him, that vision kept him going and inspired.

Benjamin's transformation was also noticed by Coach Jansen. He saw Benjamin strolling around the backyard on one of his visits, his steps more steady than they had been only a few weeks earlier.

Coach Jansen added, "You've come a long way," with pride in his voice.

Benjamin nodded and wiped at his sweat. He said in a resolute tone, "Still a long way to go, but I'm getting there."

Coach Jansen gave him a shoulder pat while smiling. "That's the spirit. Do not give up, Benjamin, you've got what it takes. Remember that."

Benjamin had improved significantly as the sixth month since the tragic event drew near.

His strength was gradually returning, he was able to walk without crutches, and he had even begun performing light ball training.

His strength was gradually returning, he was able to walk without crutches, and he had even begun performing light ball training like basic passes against the wall and light dribbling ball work in the backyard.

Although he was cautious not to push it too far, every little triumph seemed significant because his left leg, which was his dominating leg when playing football, was still not as powerful as it once was.

Benjamin would sit on the back porch and gaze up at the stars at night after his workouts. Although the pain of loss was still present, it was not as intense as it had been. In his heart and memory, he would always have his parents and Ayo at his side.

Now, however, pain no longer burdened him; rather, it inspired him. He was determined to make sure they didn't lose their faith in him.

He muttered to the sky, "I'll make it, for all of you."

Benjamin felt more and more like himself every day. Perhaps it was acceptable that he was still a long way from the youngster he had been before the accident.

His mental and physical strength had increased. He had persevered through one of the most difficult periods of his life.

He was prepared to take things one step at a time, even if there was still a long way to go.