Chapter 21: Returning to the Mortal World
Andres stood on the celestial field, the cheers from their victory still ringing in his ears. As the angel team celebrated around him, Jannela approached, her expression serious but hopeful.
“Andres,” she said softly, drawing his attention.
“I have some news. You’ve been given the chance to return to your mortal body.”
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Andres’ eyes widened in surprise.
“Really? I can go back?”
Jannela nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “Yes, but it won’t be easy. Your body has been in a coma, and you’ll need to recover. But I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
The prospect of returning to the mortal world filled Andres with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
“What about the team?” he asked, glancing at the celebrating angels.
“You’ve taught them so much,” Jannela reassured him.
“They’ll be fine. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be able to visit us again.”
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With a deep breath, Andres nodded.
“Alright. Let’s do this.”
As Jannela guided him back to the ethereal portal, Andres felt a strange sensation, as if being pulled by an invisible force. Everything around him blurred, and before he knew it, he was standing beside his own body, lying motionless in a hospital bed.
His family was gathered around, their faces etched with worry. His mother held his hand, tears streaming down her face.
“Please wake up, Andres,” she whispered.
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Jannela’s voice echoed in his mind.
“It’s time, Andres. Rejoin your body and wake up.”
With a final nod to Jannela, Andres focused on his physical form. He felt a powerful tug, and then everything went black.
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When Andres opened his eyes, the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room came into focus. He blinked, trying to adjust to the harsh light. His mother gasped, her grip on his hand tightening.
“Andres! You’re awake!” she cried, her voice filled with relief.
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His father rushed to his side, his expression a mixture of disbelief and joy.
“Son, you made it!”
Andres tried to speak, but his throat was dry and his body felt weak.
“Mom… Dad…” he croaked.
They hugged him gently, careful not to hurt him. The warmth of their embrace was comforting, and for a moment, he closed his eyes, savoring the sensation.
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As the initial shock wore off, the medical staff entered, checking his vitals and running tests. Dr. Sanchez, the lead physician, smiled at Andres. “You’re a fighter, young man. We didn’t expect you to wake up so soon.”
Andres managed a weak smile. “Thanks, Doc.”
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During the following weeks, Andres began his rehabilitation. His body, having been inactive for so long, needed to regain strength and mobility. It was a challenging process, but he was determined to recover.
Jannela remained by his side, invisible to everyone else. She offered encouragement and guidance, helping him through the difficult moments.
One day, as Andres struggled to complete a set of exercises, Jannela’s voice whispered in his ear. “You can do this, Andres. Remember the strength you showed on the field. Use that determination now.”
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Andres gritted his teeth, pushing himself harder. “Thanks, Jannela. I wouldn’t be here without you.”
His physical therapist, Mrs. Garcia, watched with a puzzled expression as Andres seemed to converse with thin air. “Who are you talking to, Andres?” she asked gently.
Andres hesitated, glancing at Jannela, who nodded encouragingly. “Just… a friend,” he said with a small smile. “Someone who’s helping me.”
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Mrs. Garcia raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “Well, whoever it is, they seem to be good for you. Keep up the good work.”
Andres continued to improve, his strength and coordination gradually returning. His family noticed his conversations with his unseen companion, but they chose to believe it was part of his healing process.
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One evening, as Andres sat by his window, watching the sunset, he felt Jannela’s presence beside him. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done,” he said softly.
Jannela smiled, her ethereal form shimmering in the fading light. “You’ve done most of the work, Andres. I’m just here to support you.”
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They sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying each other’s company. Then Andres spoke up, his tone thoughtful. “Do you think I’ll ever see the angel team again?”
Jannela’s eyes sparkled. “Maybe. The connection between our worlds is stronger than you think. And who knows? You might find a way to visit.”
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As Andres continued his rehabilitation, he found joy in small victories. Each step he took, each exercise he completed, brought him closer to his goal of returning to the soccer field. His teammates visited often, cheering him on and sharing stories from their games.
One day, as he practiced dribbling a ball in the hospital garden, his best friend Marco grinned at him. “Looks like you haven’t lost your touch, man.”
Andres laughed, the sound filled with newfound strength. “I’m getting there. Just wait until I’m back on the field.”
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Marco glanced around, then lowered his voice. “By the way, we’ve been looking into what happened to you. I don’t know who those goons were, but we won’t rest until we find out.”
Andres nodded, his expression serious. “Thanks, Marco. I appreciate it.”
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Later that night, as Andres lay in bed, he felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. “Jannela,” he whispered, knowing she was listening. “Thank you for believing in me.”
Jannela’s voice was warm and comforting. “You’ve always had the strength, Andres. You just needed a little reminder. Now, rest. Tomorrow is another step toward your recovery.”
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Days turned into weeks, and Andres’ progress continued. His physical therapy sessions became less grueling, and he started to feel more like his old self. His family’s relief was palpable, and their support never wavered.
One afternoon, as he walked with his mother around the hospital garden, she looked at him with a mixture of love and curiosity. “You’ve changed, Andres. There’s a new light in your eyes. Is it because of this… friend you keep talking to?”
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Andres smiled, thinking of Jannela. “Yeah, Mom. She’s been a huge help. More than you can imagine.”
His mother squeezed his hand. “I’m just glad you’re getting better. Whoever she is, I’m grateful to her.”
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As Andres neared the end of his rehabilitation, he felt a sense of anticipation. He was eager to return to the soccer field, to prove to himself and others that he could overcome any obstacle.
On the day of his final assessment, Dr. Sanchez beamed at him. “You’ve made incredible progress, Andres. I think you’re ready to be discharged.”
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Andres’ heart soared. “Thanks, Doc. I can’t wait to get back to my life.”
His family celebrated the news, and as they left the hospital, Andres felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the journey wasn’t over, but with Jannela’s guidance and his own determination, he was ready to face whatever came next.
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Back at home, Andres found comfort in familiar surroundings. He continued his exercises, building up his strength for his return to the soccer field. His teammates visited often, their camaraderie lifting his spirits.
One evening, as he practiced in the backyard, he felt Jannela’s presence beside him. “You’re doing great, Andres,” she said, her voice filled with pride.
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Andres paused, wiping sweat from his brow. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Jannela. You’ve been my anchor.”
She smiled, her wings glowing softly in the twilight. “And you’ve been my inspiration. Together, we’ve achieved so much.”
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As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the backyard, Andres felt a deep sense of gratitude and hope. He knew that with Jannela by his side, he could conquer any challenge and achieve his dreams. Their bond, forged through trials and triumphs, was unbreakable, and their journey was just beginning.
And so, with the future stretching out before them, Andres and Jannela faced whatever lay ahead with courage, determination, and a love that transcended worlds.