Alejandra was still sobbing, but she was listening. Her best friend had been through hell, and now she was thriving. Maybe… just maybe… she should listen to her.
“Salacia happened for me,” Sofia continued. “And while you figure out what’s next for you, maybe I can lend it to you. You know I always need help around here. And with the USL coming to Ericeira in April... Being back around your people could help.”
Alejandra scrunched her nose. The last thing she wanted was to be around healthy surfers smashing waves and winning medals.
“I don’t know, Sofi. I’m not in the right mindset.”
“Why didn’t you call before?” Sofia sighed. “You don’t have to hide how you feel from me.”
“I’m fine.”
“Then come to Ericeira.”
Alejandra groaned.
“I’ll still have the sling. I have to stay six weeks with it.”
“And?”
“And…” She opened her mouth, but then closed it again. “I don’t know, Sofi. I don’t want people asking me questions. I don’t want interviews. I just want to be left alone.”
“You don’t need alone, Ale. Not right now. You need purpose. You need to see that there’s a light at the end of this fucking tunnel. You’ve just faced the worst injury of your career, right when you were ready to go out with a bang. It’s normal to feel like something’s been ripped from you. But you need to be surrounded by your community. Surfing isn’t just a sport. It’s a world full of people who’ve gone through shit like this. Focus on recovery. And maybe... think beyond that. What are you going to do if surfing’s no longer an option?”
Alejandra whispered, “I have no idea who I am without it.”
“I do,” Sofia said immediately. “I know exactly who you are when you’re not surfing. You’re an incredible woman. Strong. Smart. Hilarious. Sarcastic as hell. You speak five languages like it’s nothing. You finished your sports recovery degree in two years while competing in the USL and going to the Olympics. You’re obsessed with mythology and folklore to the point of being annoying. And don’t get me started on your spicy book obsession. You’ve built a whole online community. You have fans, followers, and sponsors who would sell their souls for a collab. Ale... you’re more than just surfing. You just need time to remember what else you are. I know you thrive on competition but that’s not all life is.”
“Is it not?”
“Ale…” Sofia admonished her.
Alejandra took a shaky breath. “Thanks. I’ll think about it, alright?”
“Okay. And remember I’m always here, Ale. No matter the distance. No matter what’s happening in your life.”
“I love you,” she said, almost in a sob. Then, wiping her tears, she asked softly, “And you? How are you? Let’s stop talking about me.”
“Oh, actually, really good. I was about to call you for something else too.”
“What is it?”
“Are you ready to become an auntie?”
Alejandra blinked several times. Did her best friend really just drop a pregnancy bomb after she’d had a complete mental breakdown?
“Are you fucking with me?”
“No, I swear. Ilias doesn’t know yet. I just found out. I bookeda flight to Abu Dhabi, where they’ll be competing, and I’ll tell him then. I just... I needed to tell someone first.”
Alejandra burst into fresh sobs. This time of pure joy and happiness. “Oh my god, Sofi. I can’t believe it. How? Were you even trying?”
“Nope. Wasn’t even on the radar. But like… I’m not freaking out, so I think it’s a good thing. I guess?”
Sofia laughed, the uncertainty in her voice tinged with joy, and Alejandra followed.
“While I was rambling about my life, you could’ve just said I’m going to be the cool auntie,” Alejandra sniffled. “I already have my purpose, then.”
“And what a cool auntie you’ll be,” Sofia replied, her own voice cracking with emotion.
