Resurgence of the Heart

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the end of what had begun as an average afternoon. As my father got ready to head to the office, his lau

ng area. Once vibrantly colored and laughing-filled, my world became gray right away. My mother's eyes reflected the emptiness

er had been extraordinary, a glittering legend. Her records remained intact, her accomplishments honored. Her only chi

ound of splashing. My constant friend was the strong, forceful voice of my mother. "Focus, Charlotte," said "You are acting for him, she would rem

Club. The club was well-known for its elite standing and flawless reputation, hence my

g of the water as the CEO of Martinez Swimming Club, and I, a secret passion swimmer, felt like a little ripple in his world.

emed natural, and soon the swimming scene was talking about us. Leonard's energy

jealous of. Still, behind the surface a storm was building. Approaching came the golden swimming tourn

ith a tightness in his jaw, a nervous energy that made me uncomfortable. The competition did no

and loss. Something darker now darkened his formerly ardent eyes. He started to distance himself ph

as much as the physical isolation caused damage. Accusing me of being a distraction, he blamed me for his mistakes. One adversary who saw me as

led a woman I hardly knew. Leonard's new mate was often in the news, a sobering reminder of what I had lost.

d working on rebuilding my self-worth. I came across a fresh feeling of direction and learned more about the le

f a forthcoming tournament buzzed the swimming world, and I decided to sign up

ff a mixture of exhilaration and fear. There was considerable tension as Leonard's protégé

a reminder of what I had battled. There was intense rivalry and great strain. Th

man murmuring into Leonard's ear close to the pool's edge. The appearance seemed f

f the enigmatic man eclipsed my triumph. Leonard's eyes locked with mine, begging

lided as I stood on the podium. Leonard's comeback into my life and the participation of

back my position in the swimming scene, but obstacles lay ahead. Just the be

d regardless of their turbulence, I