She was sure this could only happen to her… But let’s start at the beginning...
It was about six months ago when she walked into her local gym for the first time. She was there to have a look around and sign paperwork. Over the next few weeks, she went occasionally, keeping to herself as she completed her workouts. She organized some personal training sessions which she enjoyed however, she couldn't continue because her funds ran out.
After seeing her doctor and getting her medical test results she discovered that she had diabetes. This was the wake-up call she needed, but she couldn't create a routine because she had too many commitments. So, she went to the gym, going when she felt like it, but never steadily enough to see any real progress.
Then in the past week, her commitments changed and she decided she needed to recommit and start going every morning at 5:30 am and working out on both the cross trainer and the stationary bike. A couple of other gym goers started saying 'morning' to her. At first, she just smiled and waved, but gradually she grew more confident and she started saying hello and watching as the guys worked out.
Over another few days, she realized one of them also had a routine. He arrived around 5:30 am and completed a workout that consisted of boxing and weights and just before 6:30 am he would finish, walking outside, then come back with what she assumed was his uniform. He then hit the showers.
Each day she secretly watched him in the mirror pretending she was watching the music videos on television. Although he may have felt her eyes on him because he started smiling at her and saying hello. She felt this was great, enjoying the simple connection she felt at the end of each workout.
However, that was until today...
Walking into the gym it felt different, she thought it was just the fact she had been woken by an overseas friend calling instead of her alarm but that wasn't the only thing that changed.
The other gym-goer that she secretly watched came over to her while she worked out on the cross trainer and told her, he was so sore that he couldn't raise his arms so he needed help, washing behind his ears. She smiled at him and laughed it off. He walked away to the weights and continue his work out and she didn't think much more about it.
She was just about finished when he came back after asking her plans for the rest of the day, she said she was going to study. He asked what and she said community services. He smiled at her, grabbed his keys and walked outside.
He came back just as she got off the bike and started over to put her stuff away. But when she got closer, he turned asking “If she was coming too?” she stood riveted to her spot, unsure what he was talking about, then it clicked.