The following morning, Benjamin woke up with a sense of renewed hope.
His gaze strayed to his left leg as he sat up, it was still bound by the brace but feeling far better than it had in months. The agony was getting easier to bear, though it was still not perfect.
He tested the movements by flexing his foot.
He felt as though he was recovering more quickly than the doctors had predicted, despite their assurances that it would take time.
Perhaps he wouldn't need the brace at all in a few more weeks. He felt a silent sense of satisfaction as he thought of that.
Benjamin made the decision to jog lightly after taking a shower and putting on his clothes.
The slow, deliberate movements to keep his body active without putting much strain on his recuperating leg had become a regular part of his morning routine.
The air was crisp outside, and the scent of fresh grass was carried by a light breeze. This time of morning, when the world was just beginning to wake up, was Benjamin's favorite. It was quiet, and he could think clearly in that silence.
He began his jog at a leisurely speed, paying attention to his breathing rhythm. He could only jog in short bursts before having to drop down to a walk since his left leg was still feeling stiff.
But eager to restore his strength more quickly, he pushed a bit farther each time.
About twenty minutes later, despite the sweat running down his cheeks, he felt a sense of accomplishment as he made his way back to the house.
After entering, he laid out a mat on the floor of the living room and performed a series of yoga poses. His stiff joints, particularly in his back and legs, were loosened by the stretches.
During his stay at the Spaarne Gasthuis, his physiotherapist had suggested yoga, and although Benjamin was first skeptical, it had been a huge help in getting him back to feeling flexible.
Additionally, the positions helped him relax, which was much needed after everything that had transpired.
His attention was drawn to the clinking of dishes in the kitchen, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. The maid, Anna, was busy preparing breakfast.
He had become closer to her over the past three months. Benjamin looked forward to their random conversations throughout the day because she had a way of making things feel normal.
He said, "Good morning, Anna," and went into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Benjamin," she said, smiling warmly as she looked over her shoulder. "How was your run?"
He answered, "Not bad," and picked up a glass of water. "I think I'm getting the hang of it again."
Anna put two dishes on the table and grinned broadly. "That's good to hear," she added. "The morning meal is ready. Nothing too fancy, just eggs and toast."
Benjamin appreciated the simplicity and nodded. He quickly showered once again and cleaned himself of the sweat that had gathered.
They then ate together while discussing unimportant topics like the warmer weather, the random things she had seen outside, and her plans for the remainder of the day.
Talking to Anna was simple. Benjamin was appreciative that she didn't press or try to get him to talk about the tragic event or his emotions.
Benjamin worked on the ball in the backyard for a while after breakfast. He used his dad's little training space every day, which was a blessing.
In order to avoid overtaxing his recuperating left leg, he practiced short dribbles and softly rolled the ball with his right foot.
In order to avoid circumstances where his left foot would be unable to reach its maximum potential because of the injury, he took advantage of this chance to get more comfortable with his right foot.
Although it moved slowly, it was nice to have a ball at his feet once more. He felt a sense of purpose even just by holding the ball and moving it around.
His life revolved around football, and he had no intention of letting any injury or accident take it away.
Benjamin heard a knock on the door later that evening as he was wrapping up his afternoon routine. Coach Jansen was visiting.
"How's my star player doing?" As he entered and examined Benjamin, Coach Jansen inquired.
"Better than yesterday," Benjamin replied, he was unable to stop a smile from appearing on his face. "I think I'll be rid of these braces soon."
"That's great news!" Coach Jansen gave him a shoulder pat. "You've made incredible progress."
The topic of conversation automatically turned to football while they were sitting in the living room, as it normally did with Coach Jansen there.
These conversations were missed by Benjamin. the simple back and forth regarding players, matches, and tactics.
They talked for a time about some of Benjamin's best academy performances, the goals he had scored, and games he had won with his agility and skills.
Though it was nice to reflect on those pleasant moments, Benjamin was also made aware of what he still needed to reclaim.
"You know," Coach Jansen said after a while, leaning back in his chair, "there's a big match on tonight, Portugal versus the Netherlands. It's the UEFA Euro 2012. Thought we could watch it together."
Benjamin's gaze brightened. "Yeah, I'd like that."
They took their seats in front of the TV before the game began.
As the teams lined up on the field, Benjamin experienced the same surge of excitement he had not had in months of watching a live game.
He temporarily put his injuries and the accident out of his mind and concentrated only on the game.
Although the game was fierce from the beginning, Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show. Benjamin was unable to take his eyes off him.
It was like witnessing a master at work as he watched Ronaldo's technique and movements with the ball.
Every run he made easily evaded his markers, and every touch of the ball appeared to have intent. Despite being a Dutch citizen, he couldn't help but appreciate good football.
Early in the eleventh minute, the Netherlands seized the lead, but Ronaldo scored a beautiful low shot a few minutes later, in the twenty-eighth minute.
João Pereira made a fantastic long pass to Ronaldo. After calmly controlling the ball and timing his run to stay onside, he struck a low effort into the bottom corner past Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
"He's something else, isn't he?" Coach Jansen also reacted, obviously impressed.
Benjamin murmured, "Yeah," while continuing to stare at the TV. "He's… incredible."
Ronaldo's dominance only increased as the game went on. With a spectacular counterattack in the 74th minute, he scored once more to increase Portugal's lead.
Nani made a ball that released Ronaldo on the left side. Once more defeating Stekelenburg, he dribbled past the Dutch defenders and neatly put the ball into the net.
As Ronaldo joyously lifted his arms in celebration, Benjamin gazed in awe.
Benjamin was certain that Ronaldo was by far the best player on the field. Millions were inspired by players like him, who gave them hope that anything was possible.
Watching him made Benjamin remember why he had fallen in love with football in the first place.
"That's the dream, isn't it?" Coach Jansen looked at Benjamin and spoke softly. "To be out there, on the international stage, winning matches and dazzling the world."
With his heart racing in his chest, Benjamin nodded. Playing great football, becoming a football legend, winning individual honors, and making an impact on the game had always been his desire.
That dream had remained the same in spite of everything that had transpired. It was stronger now, if anything.
Anna invited them to dinner after the game. The room was filled with the typical light banter as they sat at the table.
However, Benjamin couldn't help but observe that Coach Jansen appeared preoccupied and had his thoughts elsewhere.
"What's wrong, Coach?" Benjamin put down his fork and inquired.
For a moment, Coach Jansen hesitated, obviously considering whether or not to express his thoughts. With a final sigh, he combed through his graying hair. "I have both good and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?"
A lump appeared in Benjamin's throat. The coach's tone made him uneasy, but he wasn't sure where Coach Jansen was taking this.