Chapter 11: Watching out for Leg Issues

Wilt PoV

Afterward, they left the cafe and walked through the streets.

"Say, Wilt," Natasha began, her expression hesitant.

"What's wrong?" he asked, turning to her.

She bent toward him. "Remember what I said, okay? Be sure to rest. Your health is important. Without it, you won't be able to play."

He smiled slightly. Having had his leg broken had taught him how right she was.

"I will."

She smiled and rose to her full height. "Good. Thanks for accompanying me."

He laughed. "I should be the one thanking you for showing me to this place. It was fun. We should come here again."

She turned away. The tips of her ears were red. "Uh, okay. Well, I'll be seeing you!" She rushed off.

Wilt sighed and rubbed the back of his leg. It was still sore. But it wasn't as painful as it had been a week ago. He had to give props to his sister and Natasha. They'd helped him immensely.

"It wasn't all Loxus's fault," he muttered, sighing.

----

[Weeks ago, prior to time shift]

Weeks ago, Wilt sat in the sterile examination room, his heart pounding in his chest as he awaited the doctor's verdict. His leg, which had been brutally injured in a bat attack at the park, was slowly healing. But the question that loomed over him was whether or not he would be able to return to the basketball court.

Dr. Hartman, his physician, was reviewing his latest X-rays, his brows furrowed in concentration. Wilt observed him, anxiously fiddling with the hem of his hospital gown.

"Well, Wilt," Dr. Hartman finally said, placing the X-rays down and meeting Wilt's gaze. "Your leg is healing quite nicely. The fractures are mending, and there's evidence of new bone growth."

Wilt's heart leapt. "Does that mean I can finally return to playing basketball?"

Dr. Hartman paused, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before he looked back at Wilt. "I'm afraid it's not that simple, Wilt. While your leg is healing, your overall health is a concern. Your legs are showing signs of wear and tear from constant basketball practice."

Wilt's heart sank. "What do you mean?"

"Your knees, in particular, are showing signs of strain," Dr. Hartman explained. "The cartilage is wearing thin, and the muscles around your knees are overworked. If you continue to push yourself this hard, you could end up with a chronic condition, or worse, you could permanently damage your knees."

Wilt felt a cold dread settle over him. His dreams of becoming a professional basketball player seemed to be slipping away.

Dr. Hartman continued, his tone grave. "I know this is hard to hear, Wilt. But you need to take care of your health. If you continue on this path, you may not be able to play basketball at all in the future."

Wilt was silent, the doctor's words echoing in his mind. He had always pushed himself, always strived for more. But he hadn't considered the cost.

Looking down at his healing leg, Wilt felt a wave of regret. If he had been more careful, if he had listened to his body, maybe he wouldn't be in this situation.

"I understand, doctor," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dr. Hartman gave him a sympathetic look. "Take some time to rest, Wilt. Your health is important. Without it, you won't be able to play at all."

As Wilt left the doctor's office, he felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment. His leg was healing, but his dreams seemed further away than ever.

----

[Present]

Wilt took a deep breath. He had to remind himself to rest. Else, he would end up in the wheelchair like before Loxus altered time.

Loxus, he wanted Wilt to take Kallen to nationals. That guy seemed the type who would push Wilt to his breaking point. After all, he had threatened Wilt with breaking his legs and more if he didn't follow his orders.

As he approached his house, Wilt felt a shiver run down his spine. He found himself between a rock and a hard place.

School was only a few weeks away... He took a deep breath. For now, he would rest like Natasha told him.

He gasped as he saw Loxus feeding the kittens.

"How cute," he muttered, grinning.

"Huh?" Loxus exclaimed, turning around.

Wilt froze.

The two stared at each other in silence for a moment, neither one wanting to break the tension.

Loxus's face heated up.

Wilt tried not to laugh. "You really like cats, don't you?"

Loxus turned away, muttering under his breath. "Just leave me alone."

Wilt decided not to press his luck. Instead, he simply observed the thug from afar. "Hey, not judging you. I just came back from a cat cafe. It was nice."

Loxus didn't respond.

"Anyway, I'll see you around," Wilt said, not waiting for a response.

"Whatever," Loxus muttered, continuing to feed the strays.

Wilt sighed. That guy really was a difficult one to talk to. He didn't even know why he still bothered trying to chat with him. It wasn't like they were friends or anything of that nature.