Zoe's Golden Dream

    By Cindy Salas

    Zoe's Golden Dream cover image

    20 Jun, 2024

    a girl sitting on a bed with a video game controller in her hand and a bunch of pictures on the wall, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, art station

    Zoe woke up to the chirping of the birds outside her window. She had a dream, a dream to play in the Olympics. She knew she needed to change her lifestyle to accomplish this dream.

    a girl sitting on a bed reading a book in front of a wall of sports pictures and posters on the wall, private press, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, graphic novel

    Zoe got out of bed and looked at the fitness plan taped on her wall. It was her guide to becoming a better athlete. She committed herself to follow this plan daily.

    a girl running in a park with trees and flowers on the ground and a backpack on her back,, plein air, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    Zoe kicked off her routine with a 10-minute brisk walk around the park. She followed this with 3 30-second planks, 3 sets of 10 lunges, 3 sets of 10 jumping jacks, and 3 sets of 10 pushups against the kitchen counter. Her determination was unwavering.

    a girl running after a soccer ball on a field with other girls in the background playing soccer on a field, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Emiliano Ponzi, book cover

    Two weeks into her routine, Zoe noticed changes. She felt stronger, faster, and more agile. Her performance in soccer improved drastically, and she scored three goals in one game.

    a girl standing in a room with balloons and a banner above her head that says congrurataranng, verdadism, a storybook illustration, Amalia Lindegren, comic cover art

    Zoe returned home, gleaming with joy. She knew her fitness routine was working. Her family celebrated her success, and her determination grew stronger.

    a family sitting on a couch in a living room with a soccer ball on the floor and a banner hanging above, serial art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, official art

    Months passed, and Zoe continued her routine. She practiced hard, stayed disciplined, and her soccer team made it to the championship. Zoe scored the winning goal.

    a woman soccer player is surrounded by her team mates and fans as she celebrates with her trophy in the air, fantastic realism, a storybook illustration, Charles McAuley, high detail illustration

    The field was filled with cheers and applause. Zoe, with her team, held the championship trophy high. She could see her dream of playing in the Olympics getting closer.

    a cartoon of a woman soccer coach talking to her team mates on the field of a soccer field with a goalie in the background, paris school, a storybook illustration, Fabien Charuau, graphic novel

    Zoe approached her coach and shared her fitness routine. She wanted her teammates to benefit from it too. Her coach was proud and agreed to share her story and the details of her fitness routine.

    a woman soccer player with her arms crossed in front of a group of people in a room with windows, paris school, a comic book panel, Fabien Charuau, official art

    Zoe stood in front of her teammates, sharing her fitness journey. Her story resonated with everyone in the room. They were inspired and motivated to follow her footsteps.

    a cartoon of a girl in a classroom with a group of people behind her and a cartoon of a man in a suit, vancouver school, a comic book panel, Artgerm, comic cover art

    Zoe's story was a testament to the power of determination and hard work. She made everyone believe that dreams could become reality with the right attitude and dedication.

    a girl standing in a bedroom with a lot of pictures on the wall behind her and a bed with a wooden headboard, temporary art, a comic book panel, Artgerm, comic book

    Zoe returned to her room, her sanctuary. She looked at the fitness plan on her wall, a reminder of her journey. She knew she was on the right path.

    a girl sitting on a bed with a medal around her neck and a medal around her neck, in front of a night sky with stars, symbolism, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, comic cover art

    Zoe fell asleep that night, dreaming of the Olympics, the podium, and the gold medals. She was ready to face the challenges ahead, for her golden dream was worth it.