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Imani pushed open the doors to the training facilities, greeted by the sound of cleats on the turf and laughter echoing around the room. It felt good to be back. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind, but today felt like a fresh start. She scanned the room, her camera slung over her shoulder, ready to film England's training session.
Keisha spotted her first, grinning as she jogged over. "Look who finally showed up! We missed you, Imani. It hasn't been the same without you."
Imani laughed, feeling a sense of warmth. "I missed you all too. Feels like forever, doesn't it?"
Keisha nodded. "Things are better when you're around. You bring good energy."
Imani smiled. The tension she'd been holding onto eased a little. "Well, I'm back now. Ready to capture everything."
With her camera in hand, Imani moved around the field, filming the players as they trained. She loved this part of the job—showing the behind-the-scenes work and friendships that most people didn't get to see.
As she focused on a group of players, she noticed Trent and Jude off to the side, talking. For a moment, her stomach tightened. But then, to her surprise, Trent laughed, and Jude clapped him on the back. They were making up.
Imani felt a wave of relief. Seeing them together, as if nothing had happened, made her realize that the rift she'd felt responsible for was finally healing. The guilt that had weighed her down began to fade, and for the first time in a while, she felt at peace.
Maybe things really could go back to the way they were before everything got so messy.
As lunchtime rolled around, Imani put her camera away, about to head to her office when Bukayo called her name. "Imani! Come eat with us!" he shouted with a bright grin.
A few of the others waved her over, and after a brief pause, she smiled and walked over. She slid into a seat between Declan and Keisha, feeling instantly comfortable.
The mood was light, with conversations flowing easily. Laughter filled the room as stories were shared and jokes flew around. Imani felt a sense of belonging again, the same feeling she'd had before things had gotten complicated. This—sitting here with them, the fun and the easygoing energy—was what she had missed. The vibe was perfect, just like it used to be.
For the first time in a long while, Imani let herself relax, feeling that maybe everything would be okay after all.
