As the sun retires, shadows cast across the gray field. The crowd roared in jubilation. Emerald eyes were fixed on the goalpost and her favorite player Mia, tried to cast the ball into the net.
It was an interstate female match. Emerald's strong enthusiasm for football has made her never to miss any day without undergoing her training; neither does she miss any ongoing match within the state or TV. She can spend her last cash just to transport herself to the stadium. Lack of enough equipment has been one of the barriers Emerald faced in her journey of becoming a footballer one day but she never let that be an obstacle.
As she watched Mia dribble the ball with her opponents, her heart raced with anticipation. As she passed her opponents and moved closer to the goal post, the crowd roared in excitement. Unfortunately, she missed the goal leaving her opponents in jubilation.
After the match ended, Emerald and her training mate began their own training. The match was going smoothly when Emerald heard a voice shouting her name from the sidelines. At first she felt it's the audience cheering her skillfulness but she knew the voice of her mum.
"Emerald! Get off that field, what do you think you are up to when there are lots of chores at home undone, " her mom yelled as her voice was evident of her disapproval.
Emerald running off the field meant only one thing, that was the end of the training for her that day. Her heart was heavy as she ran towards the road followed by her mom with stern expressions written on her face.
Acknowledging the fact her mom hated football she knew her passion for the sport is at stake. She got home and did all she needed to do to make her mother happy.
"Mum, dad supported my passion when he was alive. Why do you find so much hatred for what I love? My only dream is to one day be a professional football player," Emerald sounded soft, hoping her mom would see a reason to understand her.
"Young lady, it is high time you live to understand when someone says no for an answer. You need to focus on your studies and forget that so-called dream of yours," she responded to her unmoved with her effort to make her understand.
With her mom's words that night, she felt discouraged towards her dream of becoming a footballer. One day, she heard a top football club was coming to train her group. That news was a glimmer of hope, she strategized and succeeded in skipping school lectures for training just to take part in the match.
"Wow, you have great skill, just some level of seriousness can take you far," one of the under 18 players said, His words triggered her zeal the more..
She was determined to keep practicing despite her mom's disapproval. She wouldn't want trouble for herself, she tried her best possible to sneak out of the house to practice. Her practice was going well without any suspicion from her mum.
One day, there was a football competition occuring in her state, many dignitaries would be present to watch the match and it was a great opportunity for Emerald to participate in the match.
"Emerald, pack your bags, we are relocating to Nura City tomorrow, that is where I was transferred to at work."
"No ma, not tomorrow please, please, please, please I have a match tomorrow and all the state dignitaries would be present, can we move on Thursday?"
"What business does match got to do with what I just said? Pack your bags, we will move tomorrow."
Emerald disappointment was seen in her expression, she thought of how wasted all her effort would be. She began packing as tears ran down her cheeks.
After packing her dress, she picked the entrance key on the television stand, she tip-toped and headed to the door. Opened it and ran out of the house. The only house that came to her mind was Mr Anu, her coach. She got there and explained everything to him. Mr Anu allowed her to sleep over in his guest house, the next day was the match. He decided to take her to her house and talk to her mom.
He pleaded on her behalf and explained with every word possible to make her understand football isn't what she thinks. He made her understand that sportsmanship is not all about winning, getting injured and winning the match but it's all about allowing her daughter to stand up for what she believes in.
"Allow her to chase her dream and I assure you, you won't be disappointed."
Touched by what coach Anu had said, she regretted not giving her daughter a chance to do what she loves. She appreciates coach Anu and apologized to her daughter for her cruelty. Together, they all matched to the mini stadium. Emerald was very happy knowing her mom has given her full approval to pursue her passion.