When I was a young child, I promised to devote the rest of my life to her.
I first met her at a park. All the kids on the grass field would play with her; she was the center of attention everywhere she went. Wanting to learn more about her, I approached her. We immediately clicked during our first interaction; she seemed to understand all of my thoughts and complement all of my movements. Naturally, we became best friends. She accompanied me everyday during recess at school, afterschool at the park, and even in my dreams at night. I soon realized that she had become the center of my life. I have fallen in love with her.
When my parents found out about our relationship, they tried to limit my time with her, forcing me to focus on school and my academics instead of wasting my time dating ‘girls’. At school, others scoffed at our relationship, deeming me too ‘skinny’ and ‘weak’ for her. I refused to give up my love for her, however; I began to do everything in secrecy. I snuck out of my house at night to meet up with her at the park. At times, I would even hide her in my own room for secret dates.
Overtime, I started to care less about other people’s opinions of us. I realized that my short stature does not restrain the amount of joy we shared. My skinny legs do not stop me from putting in extra effort into our relationship. I was the sole master of my own happiness, my decisions, and my destiny.
During high school, we would go on dates after school everyday, most lasting past sunset. On weekends, I would travel across the nation with her to different tournaments and showcases. We battled together, suffered together, and triumphed together.
Now, I continue to stand steadfast to the promise I made to her years ago-I am ready to grow old with the love of my life: soccer.
