The final stretch at Aspetar passed without complications. Zachary's ankle healed steadily, and by mid-May, he had passed the two final clearance tests: a strength assessment and a functional movement screening.
The results were strong—his reconstructed ATFL held firm under strain, and his overall mobility had returned to near pre-injury levels. A week later, he sat across from Dr. Khaldoun one final time.
"Once again, I have to say you're progressing beautifully," the doctor said, closing Zachary's file with a satisfied nod. "You're now cleared for reintegration training—low-intensity ball work, movement under pressure, controlled changes of direction."
Zachary's eyes brightened. "So I can start pushing harder?"