The draftees were given a one week vacation before they report to their respective teams. Jeremy can’t wait for his first day as a member of the Chicago Storm. His mom feels the same way.

While on a respite at home, he toned his body by doing some weightlifting and cardiovascular exercises. This has been his physical regimen when he was still playing college ball. On an ordinary day, Jeremy would jog around their neighborhood early in the morning. He normally runs at least 3 kilometers. After a brief recovery period, he would lift some weights gradually increasing from 50 kilograms to 200 kilograms. This circuit training with the weights helped tone his physique, preparing it for the banging it would experience during games.

Today, he decided to jog on the southern part of their town. This path would take him through the forested part of the area and up some hills. Jeremy thought this is an ideal trail. He thinks running there can improve his stamina even further. However, he forgot something important. He will pass through a neighborhood riddled with gangsters and criminals.

“Rrriiinnnggg… Rrriiinnnggg… Rrriiinnnggg!”

His alarm clock sounded vehemently. Jeremy brushed the cobwebs from his eyes. Then he said his morning prayers. When he was done, he proceeded to their kitchen to prepare his energy drink. This is a special concoction consists of three egg yolks mixed with soda. Jeremy gulped down everything. He wiped his lips and laced his running shoes on…

Outside their home, Jeremy did some mild stretching before beginning his run.

He jogged across the road from their home. Bystanders who saw him greeted him with heartwarming smiles. They have known him since he was a child. His neighbors are also aware that he is the top draft pick of the ABA this season.

After a few meters, Jeremy entered the dreaded trail. He is now in the territory of the gangsters and hoodlums. Cautiously, he ran through their streets, his eyes scanning the area around him, wary of possible attackers hiding among the bushes.

But something was destined to happen that day. As he is making his way, around the corner of the trail heading to the hills, a group of men suddenly appeared in front of him. They blockaded his path so he has no choice except to stop.

“Mr. Gomez… Mr. Gomez, how good of you to drop by our neighborhood.”

“Sorry for that. Did I disturb you? I just wanna go to the hills for some workout.”

“We know that Mr. Gomez. You don’t have to tell us.”

“Now, let’s make this easy. Give us your wallet and your necklace and we will let you go!” the leader of the gang demanded.

Jeremy kept quiet. He knows that if he doesn’t give them what they were asking, the gang would harm him. He is okay with the money part. But regarding the necklace, he can’t give it to them. It is an heirloom from his father. It’s the only thing that reminds him of the time they spent together as a child before he disappeared.

“Alright, I’ll give you all of my money except the necklace. It’s important to me.”

“That was not what I asked for,” the leader loudly protested.

“Now give them to us!”

He did not say anything after that. Instead, he positioned himself for a possible fight. As he took out his wallet from his jogging suit he threw it at the face of the leader. Then he sprinted away from them.

But the gang was quick to react. They followed him and after a meter, the men were able to corner him.

The leader punched Jeremy in his face. Then the other gang members held him so he can’t fight back. He was manhandled by the group until they were satisfied with what they did. When they were done with Jeremy, he was all bloodied and bruised.

“Get the necklace!” the leader commanded one of his men.

“Boss, he knows us. He has seen our faces. Let’s kill him.”

One of the gangsters brought out a hand pistol and aimed it at the fallen player.

“Alright, but be quick with it!”

The man was about to shoot Jeremy when the neighbors came out. They are all armed with knives and pieces of wood.

Alarmed by what is about to transpire, the gang men fled from the scene, leaving Jeremy lying on the street.

The neighbors approached him.

“Hey guys! It’s Jeremy!” exclaimed one of them.

“Dude… dude, are you o’right?”

Jeremy did not answer back. He is unconscious.

“Call 911! We need to get him to the hospital,” suggested another.

One of the neighbors dialed 911 on his phone. After a few minutes, the ambulance arrived. The medics attended to Jeremy and gave him first aid. Then they placed him on a stretcher and hoisted him to their vehicle.

“Weeehhh… weeehhh!”

The ambulance hastily left the area.

Jeremy was admitted at the local hospital. He underwent an X-Ray and an MRI for possible fractures. When the results came out negative, he was transferred to a regular hospital room for further observation. The nurse in charge of Jeremy called up his mom to inform her about the incident.

Weeks went by before Jeremy was cleared by the doctors. It was just in time before he would report to their team’s training camp. While he was at home, he rested and took all the medication prescribed by the doctor. With constant care from his mom, he soon got back to his healthy form. He continued his usual training regimen so he can gain strength and endurance.

The first day of training camp came. Jeremy reported to the gym early. He can’t wait to start. Unknowingly, a surprise awaits him at the camp.

“Good morning coach!” the players greeted

Jeremy is busy lacing his shoes so he didn’t notice who came in. When he held is head up to acknowledge his coach, he was astonished. His head coach is Chris. Yes, Coach Chris. He can’t believe his eyes. This motivated him more. Day One of their training camp went well and the players are all pumped up to start the season.