Part- 376:

  Lily’s expression shifted. There was a flicker of uanding. It crossed her features. “I uand," she said. Her voice was quieter now. “But remember you're not alone in this. You have us. Also, if you o practice throwing someone I'm avaible for demonstration."

  James looked at her. There was surprise. “Thanks," he said. He was unsure how to respond. This was her rare dispy of warmth.

  “Just don’t take too long to bounce back," she added. A faint smile was creeping onto her face. “We ’t have ying us down with gloomy vibes. Holy, we ’t have everyohinking our family’s motto is ‘defeat and despair’.”

  James chuckled softly. He appreciated her attempt to lighten mood. However, her approach was unorthodox. “I’ll try," he promised.

  He felt a small weight lift off shoulders. Night was creeping in. A heaviness was in his chest. The heaviness began to ease just a little. He couldn’t ge tour oute. However he could choose how to respond to it.

  He felt warmth from his mother’s meal. Ued kindness from Lily was beginning to offer him a sense of hope.

  Sitting at kit table James felt a flicker of determination. It ignited within him. “You know,” he started. He broke silence. “I’ve been thinking about what I want to do .”

  “What do you mean?” Lily asked. She was leaning forward. Her curiosity iqued.

  “I think I want to train harder. Not just for myself but for team. We all fought hard. I want to make sure we e back stronger,” he said. His voice was gaining momentum.

  “Look at you turning this into an inspirational sports movie,” Lily quipped. “hing I know, you’ll be doing voiceovers about overing adversity. Just don’t fet to credit me in end credits for being supportive sister.”

  “That’s the spirit,” she replied. Her tone was genuinely supportive now. “Just don’t push yourself too hard. You o recover first. We ’t have you injuring yourself just to impress the judges.”

  James nodded. He found ban her advice. “I will. I just want to honor effort ut in.”

  Farzana smiled. Her heart swelled with pride at her son's resiliehat's a wonderful mi James. Remember to be kind to yourself along the way. Healing takes time. But it’s crucial to keep moving forward."

  Mother's words lived in James' thoughts. He felt a brand-new sense of purpose. James learhat stumbles were part of his journey. Feeling adrift today could not keep him down. The impetus to faorrow was his family. They offered unwavering support. This was true even with their unique approaches.

  "Thank you both for standing by my side," James said with siy. "I am genuinely grateful." Lily gave an indifferent shrug. She fought to ceal her growing fondness. Lily often put up a facade of apathy. These were her words: "There is no need for such expressions of thanks."

  "Do not bee aced to losing, however. I ot stantly witness your face of despair." The air was filled with her insout tone.