Sunday morning. The rain was falling gently against the windows of the apartment. Jonas was awake. He lay there for a few extra minutes listening to the sound of the rain. In the past when it rained on a day off Jonas would get frustrated because it meant he could not practice.. Today the rain felt like a gift. It meant he could stay home and spend time with his family.
Jonas got out of bed. Went to the kitchen. His mother, Anna was already there making breakfast. The kitchen smelled good because of the coffee she was making. "It is a Sunday " she said with a smile as she handed him a bowl of food. "It is a day to stay inside. Lina has been asking about you all morning."
Jonas took the bowl. Started to cut up an apple for Linas breakfast. "I told her we would do something fun inside if it was still raining " he said. "Maybe we can. Play a game.. I can help her with her schoolwork if she needs it."
Thomas, Jonass father came into the kitchen stretching his back. " Morning son " he said. "Do you not have practice today?" Jonas said, "I can practice if I want to but my coach said it is optional. I think I will stay home today. My legs feel good after practicing the day. It is better if I rest today."
Anna looked happy. "That is good " she said. "You used to practice, even on your days off." Jonas smiled a little. "I am learning from my mistakes " he said. "Resting is important too."
Lina came running into the kitchen. She was still in her pajamas. She had her stuffed lion with her. Her hair was messy. Her eyes were shining. " Brother it is raining!" she said. "Does that mean we do not have to go to the football field? Can we draw pictures of football instead? I want to draw a picture of you scoring a goal. Me cheering for you!"
Jonas picked her up. Sat her on his lap. She was warm and small. She had a lot of energy. "The rain means we can be champions " he said. "We can draw the football field ever and then we can build a fort with blankets. That will be our stadium." Lina clapped her hands. "Yes that sounds like fun!" she said.
The rest of the morning was slow and nice. Lina talked a lot about what she wanted to draw and what games she wanted to play. Thomas and Anna listened to her. Smiled. Jonas talked to her too. Asked her about her favorite colors. He promised to show her how to kick a ball using a rolled-up sock.
After breakfast Jonas and Lina went to the living room. They got out the crayons and paper. Started to draw. Lina drew a football field and Jonas drew players on the field. She drew a picture of herself cheering for him. He drew a picture of the sun shining down on them. They spent a time drawing and coloring and laughing together.
At one point Thomas came into the room. Took a picture of them with his old phone. "My two football stars " he said. Anna came into the room too. Smiled. "That is a picture " she said. "We should put it on the wall. Jonas you are making Lina very happy today."
The rain stopped a bit by lunchtime. The family had a lunch of leftover cake and sandwiches. They talked about things, like work and school. Jonas listened to his parents. Then he said, "If you need help with groceries this week I can go to the store after practice.. I can watch Lina if you have to work late."
Thomas and Anna looked at each other. Thomas said, "That would be a help, son. We have been a little short of money since we had to fix the car.. We do not want to take away from your practice time." Jonas said, "It is not taking away from my practice time. My family is important too. Football is not the thing that matters."
The rest of the day was quiet and nice. Jonas helped Lina with her math homework. They made it fun by using football scores to do the problems. Lina was happy and proud of herself when she got the answers right. Jonas was happy too. He hugged her tightly.
Later Jonas and Lina built a fort with blankets in the living room. They used chairs and pillows to make a " tunnel." Inside the fort they played with a rolled-up sock as a ball. Practiced kicking it gently. Jonas was patient. He helped Lina to kick the ball correctly.
As the evening came the family decided to go for a walk to the park. Lina skipped ahead holding Jonass hand and looking at the puddles on the ground. Thomas and Anna walked behind them talking quietly.
At the park Jonas and Lina played with the football. Did some keepy-uppies. Lina was happy. She laughed when she kicked the ball correctly. Jonas was happy too. He played with her for a long time.
On the way home Lina got tired. Jonas carried her on his shoulders. She put her hands on his head. Said, "You are strong like a real footballer." Jonas. Said, "When you are bigger I will take you to my football games.. We will get you a jersey with my name on it."
The family had a dinner together. Lina was half-asleep at the table. She was happy and content. After dinner Jonas put Lina to bed. Read her a story about animals playing football.
Then Jonas sat with his parents in the living room. They talked about their day. Thomas said, "You have grown up a lot, Jonas. You are helping around the house. Spending time with your sister. That means a lot to us." Anna said, "You are a son and a good brother. Lina loves you much."
Jonas looked at his parents. Said, "I know I was not always there for you.. I am trying to do better now. I want to be for my family and for football. I do not want to choose between them."
The evening ended peacefully. Jonas went to his room. Thought about his football practice for the week. He was going to play in a game on Wednesday and he wanted to do well. He visualized the game. Thought about what he needed to do to play well.
Before he went to sleep Jonas looked at the poster of Schweinsteiger on his wall. He whispered, "One day, at a time. For my family." He felt strong and happy. He knew that he was doing the right thing.