“When have I ever gotten weirdly intense about anything?” Sarah shrugged, sliding into the empty chair on the other side of the cot.
“Oh, never, can’t think of a single time,” Lily said under her breath.
Her mama’s hand patted her thigh gently. “We are so lucky to have someone like your mom who loves with so much care. Can it be a little intense sometimes? Yeah, but I wouldn’t trade that for the world. Plus, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because you, my dear, have always had your own little fire. And trust me, it’s just as intense.”
A look passed between her moms, reminding Lily of their silent language she had never quite been able to decipher.
“Intensity isn’t a bad thing, Lils,” her mom added, leaning back in the chair.
This time, Lily did roll her eyes. “Oh my god, it’s not that deep, guys. You can just be a little embarrassing sometimes,” she grumbled, leaning back into the pillows. “Both of you.”
“There is absolutely nothing embarrassing about using your voice to advocate for yourself,” Sarah said with her usual confidence.
“Okay, I get it. Can we talk about something else?” Lily shifted against the thin sheets, trying to get comfortable with her foot elevated. “Did the team already put out a statement?”
“Yes, the official statement is that you’ve been injured and are pending further evaluation. The Team USA Alternate will replace you in the beam final. Here.” Sarah flipped her phone screen toward Lily so she could see the social media post.
“Well, at least Hadley Knight will get a chance to show the world what she can do. She deserves to shine, too,” Lily said, referring to the alternate.
A knock came at the door before the familiar team doctor entered the room, followed by two of the team’s medical staff. Lily listened, or at least tried to hear through pain medication induced fog. She heard the words rupture, surgery, and recovery as she tried to digest what Dr. Ryan was saying. All eyes looked to her to decide what to do next, which momentarily confused her because she didn’t feel like enough of a grown-up to be making any decisions, let alone ones as serious as this. But she was nineteen; legally, she was an adult.
Shortly after Dr. Ryan left to give her and her moms some time to think about things, the second opinion arrived. Dr. Mel Thatcher—Dr. Mel, as she insisted—reiterated what Dr. Ryan had delivered. Lily had managed to rupture her Achilles Tendon, and it would require surgery to fix.
“And what does my recovery time look like? I need to get back to training as quickly as possible. My college season starts in December.”
Dr. Mel gave her a long, serious look, considering her fully. Lily returned it, equally as serious.
“It’s unlikely that I’d advise returning to competition this year. If I were being conservative, based on the MRI and ultrasound results and the severity of the rupture, you’re looking at a minimum of six months before you would even be able to get back on a mat with any kind of load-bearing movement.”
Six months? Was she serious? “Why?” Lily asked. “The team doctor seems to think I could be competing in December, which would only be five months away.”
Dr. Mel grinned. “I didn’t say it was impossible, I said I wouldn’t advise it if you were my patient. I tend to think longer term—not the next few months, but the next few years.” Lily picked up the shift in her tone as Dr. Mel crossed her arms, leaning against the counter opposite the cot. “You need to ask yourself what your goals are here. What matters most right now. If your priority is making it back in time for the college season, that’s doable—with risk. But if you have your sights set on a third Olympics? Then rushing your recovery could jeopardize that. The risk of reinjury is high.”
Another Olympics. Lily hadn’t considered that as an option. Two had felt impossible enough. A third would be the dream, but did she really have it in her? She didn’t know the correct answer, and she didn’t have a strong feeling either way.
“How soon would I need the surgery?” she asked, fingers toying with the strings of her Team USA hoodie.
“I’d want it taken care of no later than tomorrow evening,” Dr. Mel said simply.
“Okay. Thank you. I think I need a little time to consider things.”
Dr. Mel left the room, saying they had her number and to call her when she made a decision.
Lily shut her eyes momentarily, thinking, before asking, “What time is it?”
“Almost seven, sweetie,” her mom answered.
“Wren’s game is starting soon. Can you get my bag for me? I need my tablet so I can watch.”
Sarah got up as Beth leaned closer to Lily again. “Lils, you need to decide what to do. I don’t think it can wait till after Wren’s game,” she said quietly.
“I’ll know by the start of the game,” Lily said, not looking up as she pulled the tablet from the bag her mom had handed her. “I just need some time to think.” She glanced at her moms. “Can I have a few minutes alone? You guys should grab food or something. When you get back, I’ll know.” She tried to make herself sound nonchalant, unbothered even.
Her moms shared that look again before Beth spoke. “If that’s what you want, Lily, but we can also stay and talk through things with you.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m pretty sure I know what the answer is, I just want a few minutes to sit with it, you know?” The throbbing sensation in her foot was returning and she pressed the heel of her hand into her thigh to counterbalance the ache.
“We’ll be back in fifteen minutes,” Sarah said as she pulled the door open for Beth. The two of them disappeared into the hall, leaving Lily alone with her thoughts.
