The morning sun peeked through the blinds as it made it's way into the apartment, William opened his eyes feeling rejuvenated, as the deep sleep had worked it's magic on his sore muscles. He laid there for a moment, soaking in the feeling of the warm soft blankets and the silence that filled the room as he came to the realisation that he had slept like a baby, free from the excruciating pain that had tormented him the day before. He was glad that the much needed rest had helped loosen his tight muscles which had been aching relentlessly from the training the day before. Slowly he slid his right leg from under the covers and to his surprise the burning pain that had made him cringe in agony the day before was gone, leaving behind a pleasant feeling of soreness and flexibility in his leg begging him to get up and dance on the field. He bent his foot and tested his ankle only for the muscles in his thigh to answer his call showing no signs of discomfort, something he was not expecting after being tied up on the stadium bench for most of the day.
Suddenly his cellphone rang from the table beside him and upon answering it he was greeted by the voice of his father, whom he had not called home the previous night, as he had been too deep in thought about what happened to him yesterday. His dad's voice rung in his ears as he explained to William that he had been expecting a call from him and was beginning to think that something happened to him. William was quick to explain the events that led to his injury and assured him that he was feeling better after receiving the treatment from the medical team and from the wonderful massage given by Fernandes to loosen his stiff muscles. He made sure his dad knew that he felt hundred percent better and fit for the game that was meant to take place that day. Once William was done explaining, his dad exhaled a breath of relief, as he gave his son words of encouragement before hanging up on the call. He reminded him that he had been training so hard to get to this point and all the long hours of practice were paying off as they got to that moment in time "The opportunity is now. William's dad then shared some wonderful news with his son just before hanging up on the call, telling him that he would see him very soon as he made his way to the stadium to watch the game. The news sent his heart racing as he promised the man that he would put on a beautiful display for him when he stepped onto the field.
While William talked to his father on the phone, the captain had awoken on his bed, laying there with a satisfied smile on his face as he heard the lovely words of encouragement his William's dad had given his boy. Fernandes knew how important family support was to a young footballer and he gave William a reassuring smile. "It sounds like you have a great coach at home too, William", he teased before looking at the boy intensely to enquire about the state of his body after the long night's rest. William stood from the couch and walked a few steps to the side as he confirmed to the captain that he did not feel any discomfort whatsoever and that he was feeling very agile and active. He thanked Fernandes once again for his wonderful care and support and let him know that his house had been the perfect place to heal both physically and mentally.
Fernandes gave him a thumbs up, telling William that it was his pleasure as a captain to provide the young talent with all the support he needed to get to this day and to recover from his injury. He looked at his watch and asked William to get ready as they had to be at the stadium by ten in the morning for the brief meeting with the coach and to go through a short warm up session before the game commenced at eleven. "We need to get there so that the coach can know that you're fit and we need to get your blood pumping so that you can go and do your magic on the pitch," Fernandes said with a determined look on his face, as the whole team looked up to him for leadership and guidance. William readily agreed, he was beyond excited to be a part of this amazing team and to stand on that field to deliver a spectacular performance.
To make sure that his body would not betray him on the day he worked so hard to get to, William did a few tests of his own to assure himself that he was in the right condition to play the game. He was light on his feet as he moved from one corner of the apartment to the other, his body dancing from side to side as he performed a few high knees to stretch his muscles and loosen his joints. He could feel the blood flow down his veins and reach all parts of his body, a sure sign that his body was working properly and the stiffness he felt the day before was gone after the wonderful treatment he had received the previous night. Fernandes watched him with admiration as he came to a stop after finishing his warm up.
Feeling confident that his body would not betray him at the most crucial time, William went ahead and got his things ready for the trip to the stadium. He carefully placed his shin guards and socks in his bag, then he remembered the new pair of boots his dad had gotten for him. He told Fernandes that he would appreciate it if he could get his stuff ready to pick him up from the apartment so that he could go and get the boot his dad bought for him. The captain readily agreed and told William that he would see him at the stadium, but they had to leave together for him to get his things from the apartment. The two were focused as they got their belongings ready, showing the great level of dedication and determination the game had brought about in them.
The captain picked up his car keys and his bag as he gave William a final glance to make sure he had everything he would need for the long day of play. "This is a big day for you, William, and I can see in your eyes that you're ready to show the whole world what you're made of," said Fernandes as he and William stood in the doorway. William's heart pounded in his chest as he fought back the lump that had formed in his throat, he pulled his lips into a smile for he knew the time for goodbyes was near and the time for battle was here. He cast one last glance at the apartment in which he had spent the night and stepped out into the hall with the captain, taking in the cool morning air. William passed by another route to his apartment to get his new boot. The countdown was over, the day people would see the name William GILL shine on the football pitch had come. He walked on with a determined look on his face, ready to step onto that field and make his dreams come true.