Tosin's declaration echoed in the hospital room, a declaration of courage and determination that took Sade by surprise. Her daughter, though still young, possessed a spirit that seemed unshakable, even in the face of adversity
With a newfound sense of purpose, Sade stood up from Tosin's bedside, gently smoothing the blankets around her.
"Alright, honey, let me go see the doctor and find out what we are dealing with," she said, her voice steady and reassuring
Tosin nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Alright, Mum. I'll be here ready for whatever comes next"
As Sade made her way towards the door, she couldn't help but marvel at her daughter's strength. Tosin's declaration had lit a flame of hope within her-a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and determination could guide them through the storm
Sade's heart pounded in her chest as she made her way to the sterile hospital corridors. The weight of Tosin's declaration hung heavy in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her brave, determined daughter
Reaching the doctor's office, Sade took a deep breath to steady herself. She raised her hand, knocked on the door, and entered
The doctor, a kind-faced man with a stethoscope draped around his neck, gestured her to take a seat. "Tosin's mother, right?" he asked, glancing up from his notes
Sade nodded, trying to keep her nerves in check. "Yes, that's right. How is she doing?"
The doctor leaned back in his chair; his expression thoughtful. "Tosin is a remarkable young girl" he began. "The good news is, Tosin is stable and her overall health is not in immediate danger. However, the injury she suffered during the game, is a very severe knee injury and it requires surgical intervention"
Sade's heart sank as the doctor continued, explaining the complexities of the surgery and the rehabilitation process that would follow. "The operation will repair the damage, but the recovery period will be extensive-anywhere from two to three years before she fully recovers. The operation will take place in two weeks' time"
Sade absorbed the information, her mind reeling with the implications. She knew Tosin's love for basketball and the joy it brought her. This news would be a tough pill to swallow, but Sade also knew that Tosin's resilience would carry her through this difficult journey
As she left the doctor's office, Sade felt the weight of the news heavy on her shoulders. But she also knew that, together, they would face this wall head-on, drawing strength from the unwavering bond they shared
Sade returned back to Tosin's hospital room, feeling a mix of determination and apprehension. She met Tosin laughing as she held her phone in a chatting pose. She was in a good mood and breaking the doctor's news at that point will damage her mood. Still there was no way she could hide it from her daughter. This is her life
"Mum, what did the doctor say?" Tosin asked as she sat up
Sade sat down on Tosin's hospital bed as faced the floor, searching her head for better ways to break the news of the injury and rehabilitation process to her daughter
"Well," Sade hesitated for a moment before she continued. "The doctor said that you are stable and your overall health is not in immediate danger."
"But?" Tosin said. She could tell there was more. It was written all over her mother's face
Sade sighed before she continued. "But the injury you suffered during the game, is a very severe knee injury and it requires operation"
"That doesn't sound good" Tosin said
"The operation will repair the damage in your knee, but the recovery period will be extensive-anywhere from two to three years before she fully recovers." Sade said
"What?!" Tosin exclaimed. "But I don't have 2 years to waste on rehabilitation! The Christmas Champions Cup is in December and we are in the semifinals of the Playoffs which is coming up next week! I don't have all the time to waste on operations and rehabilitations"
"I'm sorry, honey but at this point, we don't have a choice" Sade said. She understands Tosin's pain right now but it can't be helped
"When will the operation take place?" Tosin asked
"The operation will take place in a fortnight according to the doctor" Sade replied
"Huh?" Tosin said, grinding her teeth in frustration "Why now? Why is this happening now?"
"Sorry, honey. Everything will be fine" Sade said
Despite her initial shock, Tosin took the news with the same steadfast resilience that Sade had come to admire
"Well, everything will be fine. I can do this, Mum" she said, her eyes shining with resolve. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to work hard and come back even stronger"
Sade smiled, feeling a surge of pride and admiration for her daughter's tenacity.
"That's the spirit, my Oluwatosin Folasade," Sade said, squeezing her daughter's hand "We will take this one step at a time, and I will be here to support you every step of the way"
"Thanks, Mum," Tosin said, smiling
"You're welcome," Sade replied, a small smile playing at her lips
As the reality of the situation began to sink in, Tosin and Sade shared a moment of quiet reflection. They knew the road ahead would be difficult, but they also knew that with determination, love and perseverance, they could face anything that came their way
And so, with that new found determination, Tosin and Sade began the challenging but rewarding journey of rehabilitation, determined to come out on the other side, stronger and more resilient than ever before
The news of Tosin's doctor's report sent shockwaves through her basketball team. Her teammates and coach were devastated to hear about the operation and the long road to recovery that lay ahead. But they rallied around her, offering words of encouragement and support. They knew that Tosin's absence would leave a huge hole on the court, but they were determined to carry on and give it their all
A week later, the Queens found themselves facing off against the Rose Newton High School team in the playoff semi-finals. Without Tosin's skill and leadership, they struggled to find their footing, and the game quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Victoria Chukwunonso, a member of the Victorious Varsity and the Rose Newton High School team's ace dominated the court, leaving the Queens feeling helpless and demoralized
After the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard revealed a lopsided score-The score being 121-56. The loss stung. They were heartbroken
Meanwhile at the hospital, as Tosin was eating a plate of fruits with her mother reading a fashion magazine, a call came in
"Who is it?" asked Sade
"It's Shalom" Tosin replied, staring at her phone's screen
"Okay" Sade said
Tosin answered the call and began to talk to Shalom. As they conversed, Shalom reported to her about the game. Tosin listened intently as Shalom recounted the details of their devastating defeat. Though she tried to put on a brave face, her heart sank as she heard about the one-sided game and her team's helplessness against Victoria
"I'm so sorry, Tosin," Shalom said, her voice trembling as she wept. She was disappointed as she felt she wasn't good enough. "We really missed you out there"
"It's alright," Tosin replied, mustering all the strength she could. "We'll bounce back from this. Just keep your heads up high and keep working hard."
Despite her encouraging words, Tosin felt the weight of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks as soon as she hung up the phone. The tears came suddenly and fiercely, her pent-up emotions finally breaking free. She wept for her team's loss, for the dashed hopes of the season, but most of all, she wept for the frustration of not being able to be out there on the court, doing what she loves most
As Tosin broke down in tears after the phone call, Sade's heart ached for her daughter's pain. She had watched Tosin pour her heart and soul into basketball, and to see her sidelined and hurting was almost too much to bear
Sade quickly went to her daughter's side, wrapping her arms around Tosin's trembling shoulders. "Shh, it's alright, my dear," she whispered, gently rocking Tosin back and forth. "I know it's hard, but you are not alone. I'm here for you"
Tosin continued to weep, the weight of the situation feeling too heavy to handle. "I just wanted to be out there with them, Mum," she cried, her voice choked with emotion, "we wanted to win"
Sade nodded, her own eyes filling with tears as she felt the depth of Tosin's despair. "I know, my love. But sometimes life takes unexpected turns, and all we can do is face them with courage and grace. You're strong, Oluwatosin Folasade, and I know you'll get through this."
As Tosin slowly began to regain her composure, Sade held her close, offering the support and love that only a mother could provide. Though the road ahead would be difficult, they would face it together-as a family and as warriors
Meanwhile at Tolu's family house
Tolu sat on her bed, staring blankly at her phone as she scrolled through social media. She couldn't focus on anything but the news of the Queens' devastating defeat in the semi-finals. The weight of guilt pressed down on her, and she couldn't help but feel responsible for Tosin's absent on the court
Tolu's mind drifted back to the moment Tosin injured her knee. Replaying the scene over and over in her head like a twisted nightmare. She remembered how powerless she felt, watching from the sidelines as her friend was carried off the court
Tears welled up in Tolu's eyes as she clutched her phone tightly, "I should've been there," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "If I hadn't quit the team… maybe things would have been different."
As her emotions threatened to overwhelm her, Tolu knew, she had to find a way to make things right-for herself, for Tosin, and for the entire team. But to do that, she had to break through the wall standing between her and her dreams
Despite the crushing defeat and Tosin's emotional breakdown, life went on for the high school team. Classes resumed, and the players tried their best to focus on their studies and move past the disappointment however it was a very difficult task to forget it
Tosin, still in the hospital, found it hard to let go. She was injured while her team got humiliated without her and it only served to deepen her sense of frustration and sadness
One fateful day, her coach visited her. She noticed that Tosin was struggling to get over the defeat. "Tosin," Mrs. Lawal said, her voice filled with understanding. "I know this year's playoffs hasn't turned out the way any of us wanted it to. But I need you to remember that you're still an important part of the team, even if you can't be on the court right now"
As Tosin continued her conversation with Mrs. Lawal, trying to come to terms with her new reality, a sudden wave of shock rippled through the room. Standing at the entrance, looking uncertain and hesitant, was Aisa-the girl who had accidentally injured Tosin during that fateful game. The air grew tense as Aisa cautiously walked into the room towards Tosin and Mrs. Lawal, a mixture of guilt and determination etched on her face
"I'm sorry," Aisa began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now but I had to come. I couldn't just hide and pretend like nothing happened"
Tosin's emotions swirled-surprise, anger, sadness-but she stayed silent, as Aisa continued
"I watched the game and I realized how much I've cost you guys. Sincerely I'm sorry" she said, bowing her heads
"It's fine" said Tosin, as she smiled "You can come"
"I have to go now, I'll visit again when I'm free" Mrs. Lawal said, making her way to the door"
As Mrs. Lawal left the room, the girls were left to discuss
"So, how is your leg? Does it hurt?" Aisa asked
"A little. But when I remember how this injury cost us the game against Rose Newton, it hurt badly," replied Tosin
"I see. When are you going back to school?" Aisa asked
"Well, I don't know but…." Tosin replied
"Be ready for what could be waiting for you in school" Aisa said
"What's that supposed to mean?" Tosin asked
"Well, I have to go now. See you around," Aisa said, walking away
As Aisa's footsteps faded down the hospital corridor, Tosin leaned back against the pillows, lost in thought. Just as she was about to close her eyes and rest, another knock at the door roused her from her musings.
"Come in" Tosin called out, her curiosity piqued
The door swung open to reveal none other than Tolu, Tosin's former teammate who had mysteriously quit the team. Tosin's eyes widened in surprise. "Tolu! What are you doing here?"
Tolu entered the room, her hands fidgeting nervously. "I know I shouldn't have left the team, but..."
"But what?" Tosin asked
"Never mind. How is your leg?" Tolu asked
"Tolu, forget about my leg and talk. What's the problem?" Tosin asked
"Well, everything is fine. Academics, great. I'm healthy…. Haha." Tolu said
"There you go again, mak..." Tosin was saying when Tolu interrupted her
"But... I was bored." Tolu continued. "I felt like I needed to do something fun to shake off this boredom. I joined the team hoping to shake it off. Fortunately, thanks to Mrs. Lawal who advised me on my style of play and you guys, I was happy again. I was smiling again. I had looked forward to every training session. It felt like basketball was my calling"
Tosin smiled. "Then come back already" she said
"Basketball was fun and I feel like coming back, however…." Tolu said
"However?" Tosin asked, her eyes widened in curiosity
"My parents wouldn't let me play. They said I should focus on my studies rather than sports. I was left to choose between chasing my dreams and passion and my parents' expectations. I'm confused, I don't know what to do" Tolu said
\|\*
Flashback
At Tolu's family home (the night the Queens made a remarkable comeback to beat the Charlottes)
As Tolu walked into her family's living room, that evening, she saw her parents and her brother sitting on the couch. Her parents' faces were stern. The T.V. was still on, showing the replay of the game
"Tolu" Tolu's Mum called out
"Ma" Tolu answered with a low tone
"We need to talk," Tolu's Mum said, her voice firm
Tolu's heart sank. She knew what was coming
"Tolu where were you 30 minutes ago?" Tolu's Mum asked, her voice stern and accusatory, her eyes narrowing as she waited for a response.
Tolu's heart raced as she avoided eye contact, her mind racing with excuses and explanations. But she knew that anything she says would only lead to more questions and potential trouble. So, she remined silent, her gaze fixed on the floor, her body language screaming guilt and fear
"Tolu, answer me!" Tolu's mum demanded, her voice rising. "Where were you 30 minutes ago?"
Tolu's silence was deafening, and her mum's anger was palpable. The tension was thick and the air was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts
"You promised us you'd focus on your studies, not waste your time playing sports," her dad added, his eyes blazing with disappointment.
Tolu tried to explain, but her words were cut short by a stinging slap from her Mum
"Never play basketball again, do you understand?" her dad thundered
Tears streaming down her face, Tolu ran to her room, feeling like her dreams were being ripped away.
\|\*
Back to the present
"I see. Must be hard on you" Tosin said
"I'm confused. Please help me. What do I do?" Tolu asked
As Tolu pleaded for advice, Tosin took a moment to reflect before responding. She knew the weight of her words could have a profound impact on her friend's life. With a warm smile, she began:
"I'm not going to tell you to disobey your parents, Tolu. But I want you to think about what makes you happy and what's important to you. Life is beautiful and we all have dreams and goals that we want to achieve. Sometimes, there will be obstacles-walls that stand between us and those dreams. For our team, it's defeating the Victorious Varsity and other teams to become the best high school team in Nigeria. For you, it's your parents' expectations."
Tolu listened intently; her eyes looked on Tosin's as she continued
"The thing is, Tolu, if we keep pushing forward and never give up, we'll eventually break through those walls. And when we do, it'll be the most incredible feeling in the world. So, I want you to ask yourself, 'am I willing to fight for what I love?'" Tosin concluded
As Tosin's words resonated through the room, Tolu wiped away her tears, her resolve strengthening. She knew in her heart that basketball was her passion, and Tosin's encouragement had reignited the fire within her. She took a deep breath and nodded, her gaze meeting Tosin's with newfound determination
"Thank you, Tosin. I needed to hear that. I promise, I'll find a way to break through my wall. And when I do, I'll be back on the court with you, stronger than ever before." Said Tolu "I'll be on my way now. Thanks a lot"
As Tolu made her way out, Sade walked in
"Good afternoon, ma" Tolu greeted
"Good afternoon, Tolu" Sade responded. "How are you?"
"I'm fine ma, and you?" Tolu said
"Oh, I'm doing well" Sade replied with a smile
After exchanging greetings with Sade. Tolu made her way out of the room, leaving Tosin and her mother alone in the room
"How are you doing?" Sade asked
"I'm fine, mum" Tosin said
"I'm super proud of you, honey" Sade said, smiling
Tosin's eyes widened. Surprise written all over her face. "Huh? What do you mean?" she asked
"You just saved that young girl's dream" Sade said, referring to Tolu
"Oh…. You were listening, huh?" Tosin smiled
"I couldn't help but overhear" Sade admitted with a gentle smile. "But in all seriousness, I'm so proud of the person you have become. You have such a kind and wise soul, Tosin. Your words to Tolu might have been exactly what she needed to find her way again"
Tosin blushed at her mother's praise, but she couldn't deny the warmth it brought to her heart. "I just want everyone to be happy, Mum. And if I can help in anyway, I will."
"That's what makes you so special, honey," Sade said, leaning in to give Tosin a loving hug. "And that's why I know you are going to come out of this stronger than ever before. You have a gift for lifting people up and that's something no injury can take away from you."
As Tosin nestled into her mother's embrace, she felt grateful for the incredible support system she had in her life. With her family, friends and teammates by her side, she knew that no challenge was insurmountable-not even the recovery process that lay ahead
Though the road to healing might be long and winding, Tosin was determined to walk it with grace and courage, proving to herself and everyone that nothing could dim her spirit or her love for the game
The day of Tosin's operation arrived, and with it came a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Tosin's mother and Tolu, her former teammate was present at the hospital, sending their love and encouragement as she prepared for the procedure
As Tosin lay on the operating table, Dr. Michael entered the room, exuding a calm confidence that immediately put her at case. "Don't worry, Tosin," he said, giving her a reassuring smile
The surgery went as smoothly as Dr. Michael had promised, and a few days later, Tosin was discharged from the hospital in a wheelchair