memory:
The morning air of June was rather crisp underneath Cemil’s nose as he sat outside in the summer heat on his quaint little porch. He took in a deep breath as he sipped his coffee in the sunshine. He leaned on the wooden railing, taking in all the fresh scents brought by the summer season. “Ah…What a lovely morning...” he said to himself as he took another sip of his coffee, slightly burning his tongue the second time around. “Ow ow...Hot hot!” he said with a small chuckle. Cemil looked out into the horizon, slowly being drifted off into a dreamland when a sudden throb in his right foot brought him back to his senses.
He turned his attention the brace that was wrapped ever so tightly around his ankle. Ever since the incident in 2016, he hadn’t been able to walk the same ever since. Once upon a time Cemil was an Olympic champion. A champion who has mastered the art of kalon gymnastics. He was most know for bringing home the gold for his home country of Turkey back in 2012 during the London games, and all the years previous to that, but 2016 his Olympic journey came to an end. He turned to look into his home, a golden glare blinding him from the previous medals of his victories. He slowly limped inside; viewing the self that he’d left behind. He gently placed a paw on the case, staring into its contents. Vivid memories of that day began to play through his head.
***
It was the 2016 final round for the rhythmic gymnasts. Cemil was on the sidelines, watching the competitor before him complete their routine. His nerves were slowly bubbling within the pit of his stomach as he watched his opponent nail every one of their leaps and continue to match the rhythm playing throughout the area. Cemil sat on the bench in a rather dashing red sequin suit, rubbing his knees with his forepaws in a fit of desperation, as he’d want nothing more, but to come home a champion once again so that he could keep his title. There was a lot of weight placed upon his shoulders as he was the only one representing the Turkish population of kalon residents. He tried to distract himself from the competition as a whole, but it didn’t work. His turn was coming. As the crowd cheered once the one before exited, Cemil slowly made his way towards the center of the arena.
His heart was pounding at what seemed like a million beats a minute. Sweat started to form at his brow, but his expression was calm and emotionless. He got into his starting position. The area was rather quiet as the audience waited in anticipation for the performance to begin. Cemil was just ready to have it end. The music began to play and his body moved as if it was truly one with the music. Every note was perfectly matched to each step made upon the mat. There was one point in time where he truly felt like he was flying. Cemil stood back to the corner of the mat, preparing to do one of his most famous trick, a triple summersault with a twist. He got his running start, but he didn’t catch enough air to complete the trick due to his ankle twisting. There was a loud pop and the crowd went silent. Cemil laid there on the floor, clutching his ankle in pain. ; he knew what was to come. The accident truly proved to be the end of his Olympic career.
Word Count:
[600/600]