Paul made his way to the dining table and slowly pulled out a chair to sit down. The kitchen had a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lights illuminated the steam from the food on the table, filling the air with delicious smells. His mother came over to him with a plate in her hand and carefully placed steamed vegetables and grilled meat on his plate. As Paul looked at the food on his plate, his mother spoke sincerely: "It was your favorite meal before you lost your memory, son."
When the smell of the food reached Paul's nose, something stirred within him. Although the smell didn't bring back a memory, it gave him a familiar and peaceful feeling. "Even from the smell, you can tell it's a good meal," he said. "It's undoubtedly my favorite."
Grace, who was sitting at the table, looked at Paul's words in surprise. "You've never talked to Mom like that before," she whispered. "Maybe the memory loss has brought out your true personality."
Paul laughed in a funny way at this comment and put his hand to the back of his neck. He thought to himself: "Paul, what kind of person are you? They're surprised that I'm even saying thank you..."
His mother also sat down in a chair, and they all began to eat together. Paul used his left hand to eat his meal. His mother was surprised when she saw this. "That's very interesting, Paul," she said. "You normally used your right hand."
Grace agreed with her mother's words. "I just noticed that too," she said. "Could this also be an effect of the memory loss?"
Paul laughed in a funny way at these questions and shrugged his shoulders. "Hahaha. Maybe..." he replied. Paul was thinking to himself that in his old life as a defender, his right hand was also more dominant because he used his right foot more. But in this new body, it felt more natural to use his left hand.
Paul looked at his mother and asked to change the subject: "By the way, where is my father?" When he saw the sad expression on his mother's face, he continued: "Even if I saw his face, I wouldn't know he was my father anyway."
Grace answered Paul's question: "He's usually abroad for work. But when I told him on the phone that you had woken up, he started to cry. So don't be surprised if he comes home and suddenly hugs you."
Paul didn't know what to say in the face of this intense emotion. "I'll try to keep that in mind," he said.
As they continued their meal, his mother spoke again: "This will be sudden, but you're going back to school tomorrow."
Paul paused at this unexpected news. The expression on his face had completely turned to astonishment. "What?" he asked.
His mother understood his surprise. "I know you were just discharged," she said. "But your future is also very important."
Grace immediately chimed in: "I'll help you get ready for school, big brother. Don't worry about those things."
Paul looked at his mother and Grace with a blank expression. His mind was filled with the idea of sitting in a school desk again after so many years. "I see..." he murmured.
He looked at the dining table and spoke to himself: "It's like a joke. Am I going back to high school after all these years?" This thought was an absurd situation for him. As Steven, he was at the peak of his career. Now, he had to live the life of a high school student.
Paul looked at his mother and spoke calmly: "Mom..." His mother frowned when she saw his serious expression. Paul continued in a more serious tone: "If I told you that I have a goal for my own future, can you tell me that you will support me unconditionally?"
His mother didn't hesitate at this question. She answered with a clear expression: "Son, we have always supported you and we will continue to support you. We are your family."
Paul was surprised at first. As Steven, his own family had never fully supported his football career. But this new family was offering him unconditional love and support.
After this thought, Paul spoke with a serious expression: "Okay, what if I told you my goal is to become a professional football player? Would your answer still be the same?"
Grace suddenly shouted. "Big brother, do you realize what you're saying?"
Paul looked at Grace. With her eyes shining, Grace shouted again: "Whatever your goal is, we will support you! Don't you doubt that."
His mother also spoke: "What your sister said is what I think. I don't want to repeat myself."
Paul paused. He thought about his old family. This family had unconditionally supported Steven's passion for football, Steven himself. This thought deeply affected Paul.
Paul grinned. For the first time in this life, he smiled so sincerely and said: "Thank you."
His mother and Grace were surprised by this unexpected smile and thank you.
Paul got up from the dining table and said: "Then enjoy your meal. I have to start working to become a football player already. So I'm going for a run."
Paul walked toward the front door. Grace's voice was heard from behind him: "Be careful, big brother!"
His mother also spoke: "We said we would support you, but don't overdo it!"
Paul said as he closed the door: "Okay..."