Volleyball season was in which meant that everyone was raving about it to the point that we started to play during P.E. My class is very competitive when it comes to any type of sports and there would be the occasional injuries such breaking a nail or pulling a muscle, but never anything too serious. I try to dodge every possible injury that the sport might come my way.

My entire class had a lot of built-up energy since we didn’t have time for recess today. We were just messing around during the game and not taking the game seriously, but our coach told us to get our act together or not play at all. I tend to forget to call for the ball when playing, assuming that if everyone around me saw that I went for the ball, they would back off. Everyone had a position on the team and was divided evenly so they had space to move

When it was my turn to get onto the court, I took my position in the back. I quickly realized that the game was intense and had to do the best I can to support my team. The anticipation of not knowing when the ball might come to you was thrilling, but also scary. As the ball went back and forth, at this point the game was too heated that neither side was willing to give in for just a single point. The ball finally reached me and I dived for it. A figure image blocked my view of the ball when they jumped right in front of me. None of us could have saved the ball and both of us collided on the ground. We both tried to grasp what just happened when my friend noticed that one of my ankles was two times bigger than the other side. I quickly tried to get onto my feet, but pain rushed down on my ankle and I felt weighed down. It felt as though a bunch of needles was prying into where my feet and leg connected that made it so excruciating to walk. The entire situation didn’t feel real and I didn’t know how I was supposed to react. It was chaotic with everyone trying to get the teacher and rush me to the nurse.

Once we reached the hospital, I couldn’t hold my tears back any longer. The doctor wrapped my ankle quick and painfully. He told me I have a sprained ankle and told me to take it easy.

The first challenge that came with my ankle came quicker than I expected which was getting into the house. The Little everyday task became a struggle for the first couple of days I was there. I became dependent on everyone around me which caused me to feel like a burden to them. I also felt humbled for all of the times I have taken for granted such something so basic as walking.

I had to go back to school eventually and I realized that Justin, who was a guy I never really talked to was the one that ran into me. When I entered the school with my crutches he ran up to me and offered to help. He went to tell me that he felt responsible and that it shouldn’t have happened to me. For several days, he would carry my books, backpack, and would accompany me every time we would go somewhere since I couldn’t keep up with the class since it took me time to get around. One day he noticed that I was getting frustrated when I was trying to walk without the crutches.

“You know it was difficult for me to use my arm when I broke it too.” Justin broke the silence when he saw me.

“I just want to walk and stop relying on other people to do little things for me. I’m pretty they do not have a great time assisting me every second of every day.” I snapped back at him.

“I felt the same way, but all you can do now is get better and feel grateful that you have those people in your life. You can always try and find a way to repay them later on.” He calmly replied.

For the rest of the day, he would help me balance myself so I could walk on my own again. I realized that he was right and I gained a new outlook on the entire situation. Every day after that I would practice until I didn’t rely on the crutches anymore. It was as if I was a little kid learning how to walk for the first time again. When I finally did it, our bond was so strong. As time went on we got closer and have been inseparable ever since.