Chapter 2:

Sad Goodbyes

As I underwent treatment in the hospital, the doctors managed to complete the procedure necessary for conducting my X-Rays. The process took approximately more than an hour to analyze the broken ligament from my ankle. It's as if I had been lying on my back motionlessly waiting for the moment I could get around to walk once again.

With the surgery completed, the doctors insist for me not to perform any physical activities that may enhance the pain even more. Like many injured hospital patients, they were keen enough to help me adjust to using a pair of crutches to maintain my balance.

When I arrived back at the lobby, Coach Schmidt approached us in wonder regarding on my condition.

"How is she?" He asked.

"As of the moment she appears to be doing much better. It'll only be a matter of weeks before her ankle fully recovers," the doctor reported. "For the time being, she'll be required to carry a set of crutches to lessen the amount of pain when walking."

As I saw him nod his head, the coach complied based on doctor's orders.

"I understand doctor. Thank you for your time."

Following the update, the doctor returned to his office subsequently. Coach Schmidt along with my dad approached me from where I stood.

"How is your ankle feeling, Katherine?"

"Right now it feels pretty swollen. It should be healing up eventually," I told my father. Despite having to endure the pain though, I smiled at him to ensure I would be able to fight it through.

"Now that you're ready to head on out, is there something you would like to have from the vending machine?" The coach offered. As tempting it sounded, my stomach couldn't crave any substance at the moment.

"Thanks Coach but I'll have to pass on that," I said somberly.

When evening approached, we made a successful check out from the hospital. The trip took awhile getting through rush hour along the busy interstate. I passed out by the passenger's seat where my father sat next to me. The instant the taxi driver pulled over, he woke me up to assure us that we were home.

I stretched both of my arms, letting out a yawn the instant I regained consciousness. Coach Schmidt along with my father helped me out of the cab safely, carrying one arm around my shoulders respectively. The cab driver was keen enough bringing out my crutches for me to walk on.

When I exited from the vehicle, we approached the front porch of my house equipped with a pair of crutches to maintain my balance. As we stood by the front door, Dad used his key to unlock the knob for us to enter.

"Surprise," a crowd of people applauded to congratulate me on my recent performance. I couldn't help but provide a blank expression in front of everyone.

"My hat goes out to you Katherine. You really showed a lot of bravery pulling off that big leap," a guest spoke to me. Once more I remained speechless. It had been a long road to get to the Pan Global Games. The amount of excessive training I've endured every single morning I spent further enhanced my body.

I turned my focus onto my father wondering if he had planned out this unannounced party.

"I thought you could use a bit of cheering up despite what happened," he said to me.

"I-" I stammered momentarily. "I don't know what to say. Thanks for throwing together this party. That was just too far risky for me to pull off back there," I told him.

"What you did during that dive showed a lot of guts and I admire that," he said. "I'm so proud to have a courageous daughter like you. I wish I had the same type of fortitude you showed."

Such a compliment struck me by surprise. For as much doubt implanted in my head I didn't expect to hear from.

"Dad, you didn't have to do all of this. I just don't know how to thank you." I greeted his response with a smile and nod. I watched as the entire crowd of people continued to congratulate me. To say it was quite overwhelming would be an understatement. One by one I took my time passing by the many friends and relatives passing on the celebration throughout the house.

Still my head felt woozy. Part of me stomached to have a slice of cake. However, on the other hand, all I wanted was a moment's rest from all the stress in my bones. The instant I entered my bedroom, I landed on top of my bed embracing the comfort of being back home. Having closed the door shut, the constant sound of chatter outside was drowned out by a sense of tranquility around me. Hot off the heels from a long drive home, for the first time in awhile I didn't have to worry about the next competition, let alone waking up early in the morning to exercise in frigid weather. All I could do is lay back and feel nothing but mere silence. I closed my eyes as I took a nap inside the confine layers of my bedroom. What I believed was a beautiful night's worth of rest became a nightmare that destroyed every fiber of morale I had for gymnastics.

The main recollection that came out of it was an instant retread of my botched performance from the diving board. Talk about reliving a memory that doesn't involve changing the course of an incident from happening. If only Groundhog Day allowed me to do such a thing. Then again what are the odds that no matter how much I prevent a tragedy, it will all play out the same as how it happened?

As I witness a matter of déjà vu that had me injured, I woke up panting and sweating in fear. I exhaled every amount of breath that I couldn't bear to relive that moment. By the time I returned to reality, the party had long been over. I placed my face over my head wiping off the hardening debris caught in my eyes.

I took a glimpse at my window. Shades of the morning sun rose from the dusk of the nightly scenery. I kept the curtains closed enough so the light wouldn't penetrate. I entered the bathroom turning the sink faucet as I started cleansing off the moist from my face.

After I finished showering, I put on a pair of blue jeans along with a white buttoned down shirt with no sleeves to cover my arms. My father helped me get down a flight of stairs before awarding me with the crutches. I could still feel the swelling of my ankle as I winced in pain. As I prepared to head onto the kitchen for breakfast, we overheard the ringing of a doorbell echoing throughout the house. Dad opened the main door to spot Coach Schmidt standing by the front porch.

"Hello Mister Hillard. It's a pleasure of you to invite me over this morning," he said. I stood by the corridor watching them greet each other with a welcome. When it came to having a guest visiting our place, I couldn't help but feel a red blemish on my face. Something about this scenario makes me feel timid.

We gathered around the kitchen, plates on each side from where we were sitting. I spent the next couple of minutes cooking some scrambled eggs and bacon for all of us to eat. One by one I laid out the meals one plate after the other as our breakfast went underway.

Throughout most of our conversation, we basically socialized everything that went about this year's Pan Global Games; this includes the sporting activities and the competitors that competed valiantly in such a major recreational event. As they continually engage in their chatter, I remained silent. All I focus was chewing away the meal that bestowed upon me. After witnessing that nightmare from the other night, I felt the lack of urgency to chime in on the discussion.

Eventually, I finished off the last piece of egg leftover. After setting aside my plate by the sink, I went ahead to the refrigerator to pour myself a glass of orange juice. Before I could leave, my father startled me as he and Coach Schmidt gave me their undivided attention.

"Hey Katherine. Coach Schmidt told me how much of an influence you are towards him. He is even offering you another chance to qualify for the next Pan Global Games in four years. I think that's a wonderful opportunity. What do you think?"

I stood still unsure on how to respond to what supposed to be the biggest reward I've achieved. I felt the vibe of my fingers twitching, my teeth clenching every millisecond. As they stared at me anxiously, I didn't want to disappoint them in a way that may go against their high hopes. Had he asked me prior to the accident, I would have thought about it differently.

"I've been through a lot of regiment training I just thought I get my mind off of it today," I told him. "Let me think about it if you don't mind. Please don't take this the wrong way."

"No-no it's no pressure at all. The next event won't be held for the next couple of years anyway," the coach commented. As he finished the last of his bacon, he got up from his chair to thank us for providing him with a delicious breakfast.

"It was a pleasure of both of you to invite me to your home. My flight will be approaching in the next hour or so." Coach Schmidt complimented to my father and I. We escorted him to the front door as we prepared to greet him a goodbye.

"Hey Coach could we talk…" I took a brief glance at my father upon completing my sentence, "Outside privately for a moment. It's going to be brief I promise."

"Sure it's not a problem. I'll be by the living room watching some television." As my father agreed, Schmidt and I headed outside onto the front porch. Closing the door behind me, we stood face to face addressing some confession I wanted to make.

"Is there something you like to say before I head out?" He wondered. I paused for a moment to come up with the right words to describe this emotional pain I've been receiving.

"Coach, I just want to say for the record was an honor of you to be your coach. You really taught me some important lessons during camp it was what helped me continue to strive in doing what I loved," I continued. "I know the next Pan Global Games won't be for another four years, and the offer you requested sounds like a wonderful idea. It's just that…"

I stumbled partway through my comment. The more I rambled on, the less it was of me to convey the truth about my status as a future gymnast.

"Whoa hold on Kat. Please, slow down. Take a deep breath, and let it all out." Coach Schmidt encouraged. I followed through with his procedure as I resumed my speech.

"The truth of the matter is as much as I appreciate taking part in this year's event I decide to opt out for the next Global Games." Then it hit him. Like a lightning that struck the coach's heart by surprise. I felt the raining teardrops flowing through my face.

"Please, don't get me wrong. Don't blame yourself into thinking your coaching skills were the reasons I got hurt," I confessed. "I just feel it would be best if I decide to put my passion for gymnast on hold."

Coach Schmidt stepped forth to comment on my response. "Don't make this so hard on yourself. Like I said, you have plenty of time to decide." He gazed into my eyes placing his hands on my shoulders. "I've been through some rough roads as a marathon runner, and almost wanted to quit. One accident was not going to stop me from achieving my dream, and neither should you."

I countered back with a rebuttal. "That's the thing. You loved the sport. I enjoy gymnastics and all but it isn't something I want to do in the long run," I replied. "For now I just want to finish up school. There may be more career opportunities out there I am interested in. Please, don't take this the wrong way Coach."

I allowed him a breather to clear out an unfortunate revelation. When I agreed to participating in the event, I was ecstatic. I took my chances in going out my way to showcase the best of what I had to offer. In front a capacity crowd, I was overwhelmed with joy and enthusiasm. Everyone stood on their feet watching the competitors including yours truly give it their best effort. While there's no denying how influential Coach Schmidt had been to me, I couldn't keep up with his regiment training.

"Is this what you really want to do? For all the times I've guided you even when I helped you get checked into the hospital. Is this the thanks I get in return?" Schmidt wrapped his hands around his forehead. I stood there grieving over his sorrow. It was painful to witness him in the state he was in.

As I saw a taxi cab pulling over by our driveway, it was a matter of time before our private conversation reached its foregone conclusion.

"Coach, I don't mean to have our partnership end bittersweet. I wanted to be upfront about my feelings in person than sending a simple postcard or letter to express them. The Pan Global Games was a once in a lifetime dream that brought out a whole new confidence in me. It was a pleasure I had this chance to achieve what I ended up accomplishing. Thank you Coach Schmidt."

I had been hesitant to confess but I finally did. Despite his contraire beliefs, we came to a mutual agreement.

"It's been a wonderful experience working with a young talented gymnast I'm standing next to," he looked at me with a straight face. "I may have a different approach to success, but if that's what you decided, I understand."

Coach Schmidt turned his glance at the cab parked along the driveway.

"There's my ride. I don't want to miss my flight back home." I heard him mumble. As we concluded our conversation, Coach and I shared a heartfelt embrace letting out the sea of sorrow clouding our emotions. I wiped the tears from my eyes as he headed his way over towards the driveway. Upon entering the cab's passenger seat, the coach gazed at me one last time. I waved my hand signifying what I believed was a tearful farewell between the two of us.