Unfelt Words, Unfelt Love

Passion for sports

From a young age, Nat had always felt the thrill of sports in her veins. Whether it was running freely on the playground or competing in local tournaments, the field was where she felt most alive. It wasn't just the physicality that drew her in but the sense of freedom and the opportunity to express herself.

Her love for sports began with athletics. She ran as though the wind itself was chasing her, feeling every muscle in her body stretch with each stride. But it wasn't long before she discovered the world of basketball. It was her seniors at school who inspired her, showing her the power of teamwork and strategy. She loved the rush of the game - the quick sprints, the intense focus, the feeling of making a shot that everyone cheered for.

Basketball became more than just a sport for Nat; it was a safe space. On the court, she didn't have to worry about expectations or living up to someone else's dream. She was free, and for once, she could just be herself.

The Battle between Studies and Sports

However, her love for sports soon became the source of her greatest struggle. Her parents were fixated on her academics. The constant reminder to focus on her studies overshadowed everything else. They didn't understand why she spent so much time practicing when all that mattered was securing a good future through education.

"Nat, why are you wasting your time on basketball? Your future depends on your studies, not on some game," her father would often say, his voice firm, leaving no room for discussion.

It was a battle she couldn't win. No matter how much she tried to explain, no matter how much her heart longed for the court, her father's voice always echoed in her mind.

But Nat wasn't one to give up easily. Even though her parents' expectations felt like chains around her, she couldn't completely let go of basketball.

It was exhausting, trying to balance everything - study after study, practice after practice. But Nat found a way to push through. The determination that burned in her heart on the basketball court carried over to her academic life as well. Every time she felt herself faltering, she thought of the game, of the teammates who relied on her, of the victories that felt like personal achievements.

Despite the growing pressure from her parents, Nat held on to the one thing that gave her joy - her passion for sports. She knew deep down that if she could just find a way to make both worlds work, she could have the best of both. But as the days wore on, it became clear that the cost of this dual struggle was higher than she had anticipated.