Chapter 108: Optimism II
David arrived outside Old Trafford, the iconic stadium towering before him like a monument to his dreams. Even now, butterflies fluttered in his stomach as he gazed at it, a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through him. A smile spread across his face as he opened the car door.
"I’ll come help you," Prakesh said, already reaching to step out from the driver’s seat.
David quickly waved him off, shaking his head. "It’s fine, it’s fine. I got it," he assured, carefully maneuvering himself out of the car. He adjusted his crutches and stood upright, taking a moment to stabilize before glancing back at the driver.
"Thanks for the ride," David said, squatting slightly to meet Prakesh’s eye level. "Really enjoyed it."
Prakesh grinned, his warm smile matching his sunny personality. "No, the pleasure is mine," he replied.
David nodded, his grin widening. "Okay then, bye."
"Bye!" Prakesh called back, waving.
David turned to head toward the stadium entrance, but before he could take more than a few steps, Prakesh’s voice rang out behind him.
"Wait! Wait! Wait!"
David turned, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Did I forget something? he wondered, looking back at the driver who was now scrambling out of the car and jogging toward him.
Prakesh stopped in front of him, holding out a small card. "Here," he said, slightly out of breath. "Take this. If you need me to drive you somewhere—or, you know, when you start flexing that athlete money and need a driver—I’m your guy."