Chapter 3 Dream Struggle to Survive

The café became my sanctuary, a place where I could earn a living while nurturing my dreams. As I stepped into my role as a waiter,I embraced the late-night shifts with unwavering determination every day after already training and playing with the men earlier.The city's heartbeat pulsed through the café's doors and I'm there every night dancing to its rhythm.But the struggle of balancing work and football soon became apparent.The nights spent serving customers and cleaning tables left me physically and mentally exhausted most times.

Yet,I refused to let my fatigue be an excuse as I remind myself every morning of my main reason of coming here which is the dream of becoming a professional football player and this desdire burned within me fully knowing that sacrifices had to be made.

On one particular evening, after a grueling shift at the café,I found myself at the brink of exhaustion and the team was to play a Game the next morning against a Team from the Norwegian Second Division, it was to be a Friendly and the Coach has informed me of Norwegian Scouts coming to watch this game, maybe I shouldn't have gone to work that night before the Game I kept saying to myself as my body ached from the long hours spent on my feet. Doubt clouded my mind and whispering that I couldn't possibly give my best with the weight of exhaustion bearing down on me,As I stared at my worn-out reflection in the mirror,I was looking like I would melt into the uniform I was wearing, a surge of determination coursed through my veins.I always knew that success required perseverance and that dreams were not realized without sacrifice. With a deep breath,I made a promise to myself to push through the fatigue and to overcome the hurdles that threatened to obstruct my path.I rushed home straight after the close of my shift and immersed myself into a Ice Bath to Help Relax my Muscles, The Coaches said it works but that was the first time I will truly be trying that, I forgot myself completely in the bath tub as the Ice Numbed my Nerves, It was a Painful feeling at first but became very soothing later, I was deep in the Ice for over 2 hours recovering from the very hectic day I've had, got out to shower then went to sleep.

The game the following day will be a test of my physical and mental resilience.It was the sound of the Alarm that woke me up and I had to rush my little home workout and a little meal before heading straight to the Stadium,I was amongst the first to arrive,met the coach and 3 of the team guys already doing some work on the field, The morning sun illuminated the field as I changed into my training gears with still tired and sleepy eyes and yet a determined heart, laced up my boots and joined them in the light warm up,The familiar scent of freshly cut grass invigorated my senses as I joined my teammates on the pitch.the rest of the team joined up with us almost immediately as I got there and preparations started in full, the coach sat us down and gave match instructions while calling out the starters of which my name was called amongst, I was so happy to know I will be starting the Game as I couldn't wait to show the scouts coming to watch that I'm better than the current level I'm playing in, I want a chance in the very top also and I'm confident that I can reach there. the team we were to play against arrived shortly after also and did their warm up right opposite us at the other half of the pitch, the Game started shortly after,the match was an intense one,more physically demanding than I've ever witnessed since I got to Oslo with the opposing team pushing hard to claim victory,the difference in quality between our team and theirs was so glaring.my muscles screamed with each sprint and body yearning for rest. But I fought on with a mission on my,my passion burning brighter than ever as I was playing a very important position in the Game as the advanced Midfielder. In the final moments of the game with the opposing team leading us with a goal,with my legs heavy and my lungs gasping for air, I seized a perfect opportunity-a perfectly timed pass came from the full back and I sighted a free zone to run behind the opposition who weren't expecting anyone to still have the energy to exploit such gap at that moment in the game,with a burst of speed I dashed into this zone and the Opponents Defenders chase in Desperation but could not get a hold of me before I could unleash a precise strike that sent the ball sailing into the net.The crowd erupted in celebration,the Locals have come to watch their Local team play against a Professional team,I could hear the Shouts of My Name from the stands and was really relieved that it was me who handed them that moment but my mind was immediately diverted to work as soon as the final whistle blasted.I had tasted triumph, but the journey had only just begun. The café awaited me, and the rhythm of my life demanded balance at that moment.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months.My routine became a finely tuned symphony, a delicate harmony of late-night shifts at the café and dedicated training sessions during the day. The café owner, recognizing my determination and noticed how weary I came to work every night while still ensuring I never missed a shift or act lackadaisical with work became more flexible with my schedule, ensuring I had enough time to rest and recover with a one day off one day on shift,As the seasons changed,My skills on the pitch flourished.my hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed at the Friendly Game and word of my talent began to spread amongst Scouts from local football clubs around,they started to frequent our team matches, their eyes fixed on my development and enquiries about me were made from the Coach who referred them to my Agent (Coach Ade) . The possibility of turning my dreams into reality grew stronger with each passing day.However, as success beckoned, so did the temptation to abandon my nocturnal job. The hours at the café limited my time for rest and recovery, and the fatigue threatened to consume me. Doubts crept in, whispering that I couldn't give my best on the pitch while working late nights.In the midst of this internal struggle,I approached the Cafe Owner who has always been kind with me to let her know of my difficulties with balancing my life at work and my ambitious struggle of actualizing my dreams,I found solace in the café owner's wise words. "Dreams are not made in comfort," she told me that evening, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Success is not handed on a silver platter. Embrace your challenges, for they are the stepping stones to greatness."" you will find it harder to cope with training if you stopped earning money to sustain yourself here". Her words resonated within me, awakening a newfound resolve.I realized that evening that my journey was not just about football but also about the strength of my character.I had come to Oslo seeking a better life, and I was determined to carve my path, no matter how challenging it may be.

With renewed determination,I embraced the late-night shifts at the café as a source of inspiration.I saw the tired faces of the patrons, their weary eyes seeking solace and comfort. Each interaction became an opportunity to connect, to understand the struggles of others, and to draw motivation from their stories.Weeks pass by and my persistence bore fruit.My talent on the football field garnered attention beyond the borders of Oslo. Offers from professional clubs started pouring in as Coach Ade Called me to be discussing these opportunities with me, With a mix of excitement and apprehension,I faced a decision that would shape my future. I had grown attached to the café, to the familiar faces and the bond he had formed with the owner to this environment,to the Lads at the Local Team But my dreams called out to me, beckoning me to take the leap into the unknown.The Leap into the Phase I've been preparing for all this while. In a heartfelt conversation with the café owner, I expressed my gratitude for the opportunities I had been given.I explained his dreams of becoming a professional football player and the offers I had received. Though tinged with sadness, the café owner's eyes gleamed with pride."Go, my dear," she said, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "You were never meant to stay here forever. Chase your dreams and make us proud."And so, with a mix of excitement and trepidation, I bid farewell to the café that had been my work home since I got to Oslo. I left behind memories, gratitude, and the lessons I had learned through countless nights of hard work.As I embarked on the next phase of My journey, I carried the rhythm of My dreams in My heart. The café had taught me the value of resilience and sacrifice, instilling within me an unshakable belief in my abilities. The path ahead was uncertain, but I was ready. With the memories of late-night shifts and early morning training sessions,I stepped forward, guided by the whispers of the night and the unwavering beat of my dreams that has struggled so much in the Past weeks to Survive.