Page 116 of Close Knit

“We can talk to Coach,” Sven says.

“Opening up to him might help your case,” Tamu asserts, wrapping me in a tight hug. The warmth brings a lump to my throat. The rest of the crew piles in, creating a cocoon of support around me. Daphne’s in the corner, her eyes glistening.

“Thanks,” I manage to say, my voice cracking.

A wave of nostalgia hits me. Back in LA, those guys were like brothers. I miss that. Maybe Lyndhurst could feel like that too.

“I’m next,” Daphne declares, snatching the share stick from me. I exhale, relieved she’s taking the helm. “Moving to London was terrifying, but you guys made me feel so welcome. With all the recent bullying, I’m grateful for each of you checking in on me. Apart from my sister, I’ve never had many friends, but now it feels like I’ve gained a whole crew of brothers. I love you guys.”

“We love you too,” Sven and Omar chime together, both giving her a casual jostle on the shoulders.

Daphne grabs her current project out of the knitting basket. The guys join in, pulling out their own yarn and needles before sitting back down on the sofa. Weeks after Femi’s auction, they’re still knitting together. I should’ve been here. Daphne’s eyes lock onto mine, and she hands me a ball of yarn and needles. I take a deep breath, determined to conquer this.

“Anyone else want to share?” she asks, eyes twinkling.

Jung grabs the share stick. “Being an athlete has affected my relationship with food,” he admits. “Counting calories, weighing portions, and staying fit during the season is challenging. Sometimes I only have a protein shake for dinner because preparing a meal is overwhelming.”

Omar nods. “I understand, mate. It feels like no matter what we do, it’s never enough.”

Jung’s voice wavers. “Sometimes I’m more focused on how I look than on my actual game.”

Sven softens. “I used to check my weight obsessively every day.”

Daphne listens, eyes filled with compassion. “You guys are under so much pressure to meet these unrealistic standards. It’s important to remember that you’re more than your bodies. You’re incredible athletes and even better people.”

Jung takes a deep breath, visibly relieved. “Thanks.”

Omar smiles, patting Jung on the back. “Gotta make sure we’re there for each other.”

“I like to cook.” The words slip out of me, surprising everyone, including myself. “I mean—maybe we could eat together a few times a week?”

Tamu, hunched over his knitting project, looks up. “That’s the effort we’ve been missing.”

Jung turns red. “I’d appreciate it.”

Omar goes next as I struggle with my yarn. “I’ve got a bad habit of dating guys I know aren’t good for me,” he admits, nervously picking at his unfinished project. “Deep down, I’m scared they’ll see the real me and realize there’s nothing there—my whole personality is just football.”

Daphne sits beside him. “Omar, there’s so much more to you,” she reassures him.

Sven and Tamu nod. “Yeah, man.”

Daphne continues, “You’re always listening. You’re funny, kind, and loyal. And you always correctly guess who’s going to win the technical challenges on GBBO nights. Don’t sell yourself short.”

Ibrahim chimes in, “It’s not just relationships. Maintaining friendships outside of the team is hard. People don’t get why we can’t hang out or why we’re so exhausted.”

“But we understand.” Tamu smiles. Omar looks around, relieved.

I think about how lucky we are to have Daphne. She’s never made us feel bad about the hours we have to put in.

Ibrahim adds that a specialist confirmed he has partial hearing loss from standing front row at too many concerts without earplugs, and he’s concerned it might be affecting his balance on the pitch. Sven shares that his family is pressuringhim about getting married and having kids, and that they don’t fully understand his dedication to his football career.

But I understand. We all do.

Turns out we’re all carrying more than just the weight of the game. What if the rest of the team feels the same way? Maybe even the whole league? Could opening up be our strength? Finding support in each other, like Daphne’s been doing for me? If we start doing this, could we become better players? Maybe even improve our chances of winning?

Now that the weight has lifted, I feel ready to start fresh. First, I’ll talk to Coach. Then I’ll apologize to Ivan for not appreciating his support. I also want to reconnect with my old Los Angeles team and invite them to a game. Even if I’m just warming the bench, it would be great to see them again and introduce them to my new teammates.

“Thanks for doing this, Cameron,” Tamu says. “So, are you coming out with us for New Year’s tomorrow?”

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