Stu-E Price looked out the window of the taxi, his heart heavy with apprehension. He knew he had to tell his daughter Laney the truth, but he didn't know how she would react. "Laney," he said, his voice soft. "There's something I need to talk to you about."
Laney looked up from her iPad, her eyes meeting her father's. "What is it, Daddy?" she asked. Stu-E took a deep breath before he spoke. "I'm going to take you on a trip to America," he said.
Laney's eyes widened with surprise. "America?" she repeated. Stu-E nodded. "Yes. And the reason we're going is because I'm going to start wrestling again."
Laney's mouth fell open in shock. "Wrestling?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dad, really?!"
Stu-E looked at his daughter, the love in his heart overflowing. "I am serious, Laney," he said. "I have to do this. For myself, and for you." Laney shook her head, a wry smile flashing across her face. "But Dad, you're not young anymore," she said. "You could get hurt."
Stu-E put his arm around his daughter's shoulders. "I know," he said. "But I have to try. I need to know if I still have what it takes. It’s just going to be like all those stories I told you at bedtime”.
Laney looked into her father's eyes, the love and admiration there unmistakable. "Okay, Dad," she said. "I'll go with you. But promise me you'll be careful." Stu-E nodded; his heart filled with gratitude. "I promise, Laney," he said.
As the taxi pulled into the train station, Stu-E and Laney hugged each other tightly. They knew the road ahead might be a challenge, but they also knew they had each other.
Together, they boarded the train to the airport, their hearts filled with hope and determination. And as they travelled across the country, they knew that no matter what the next few months might hold, they would face it together, father and daughter, forever bound by love.
Departing
Stu-E Price stood in line at Newcastle airport, his heart pounding. He and his daughter Laney were about to board a plane to America, the land of opportunity, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. Laney stood next to him, her hand in his, her eyes wide with excitement. "Can you believe we're really doing this, Dad?" she asked. Stu-E smiled down at his daughter, his heart swelling with pride. "I can hardly believe it myself," he said. "But I'm glad we're doing it together."
As they approached the check-in counter, Stu-E felt a flutter of nerves in his stomach. He knew he would have to explain to the airline staff why he was traveling with so much luggage, including his wrestling gear. But to his surprise, the woman behind the counter greeted him with a warm smile. "Hello there," she said. "Going to America, I see? May I have your passports, please?"
Stu-E handed over his and Laney's passports, his heart beating faster as the woman checked them over. But to his relief, she didn't seem to notice the large bags. "Here you go," she said, handing the passports back. "Enjoy your trip."
As they made their way through security, Stu-E felt a sense of freedom and possibility wash over him. He was temporarily leaving his normal, everyday life behind in Darlington, the memories of his glory days as a wrestler and the pain of his retirement still fresh in his mind.
But now, as he and Laney boarded the plane, he felt a sense of renewed purpose. He was going to America to prove to himself and to his daughter that he still had what it took to be a champion. As the plane took off, Stu-E and Laney looked out the window, watching as the world fell away beneath them.
As they settled into their seats, Stu-E looked at his daughter, her face shining with excitement and anticipation. "We're going to make it, Laney," he said. "We're going to make our dreams come true."
And with those words, Stu-E closed his eyes, his heart full of hope and determination as Laney held his hand.
Arriving
After a long and tiring flight, they had finally arrived. As they stepped off the plane, they were greeted by the hustle and bustle of a busy airport. Stu-E couldn't help but feel a sense of disorientation as he looked around, taking in the crowds of people and the long forgotten surroundings. Laney, on the other hand, was wide-eyed with excitement. "This is so cool, Dad!" she said, tugging on his sleeve. "Look at all the planes!"
Stu-E smiled at his daughter's enthusiasm, grateful for her unflagging spirit. He knew that this trip was as much about showing her the world as it was about fulfilling his own dreams.
As they made their way through the airport, Stu-E could feel his exhaustion catching up with him. The long flight had taken its toll, and he was starting to feel the weight of his age. But he didn't want to let Laney see his weariness, so he put on a brave face and soldiered on, determined to make the most of their time in the States.
Finally, they emerged from the airport, blinking in the bright sunlight. Stu-E took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. As they hailed a taxi, Stu-E couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building. He knew this was probably his last go around, but he was ready for it and content with it. He had spent a large chunk of his life in this business and didn’t get the send-off his blood, sweat and tears deserved. At least as far as he was concerned, but now… he wasn't going to let anything stand in his way.
As they climbed into the taxi, Stu-E glanced over at Laney, her eyes shining with excitement. "Are you ready for this, kiddo?" he asked. Laney nodded eagerly. "I'm so ready, Daddy. Let's do this!"
And with that, Stu-E settled back in his seat, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. He knew that the bumps in the ring would be tough, but he also knew that he and Laney were in it together. And with that knowledge, he felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that no matter what, they’ll have some fun, and go back home even closer than they were before they left.
Message Thread
« Back to index