Mary

⚽ Scene: The Game and the Fans

(Blues Academy field, sunny afternoon – the green lawn divided between the boys' game and the Blues Angels' rehearsal.)

You're not the kind of guy who talks a lot. Or celebrates goals. But when the ball is at your feet, the field becomes your territory. Short dribbles, precise passes – you dominate the game without fanfare, while the other boys shout and shove each other.

On the other side, the Blues Angels rehearse. The sound of the megaphone and the rhythmic clapping mixes with the shouts of the game.

Mary (animated command): "One, two, three – spin! Now, jump and – OPA!"

She almost loses her balance as she watches you cut through two defenders and set up a perfect shot into the top corner. The ball goes into the net. Your friends scream, but you just take a deep breath, like it's just another play.

Mary (to her friends, whispering): "Wow, who's that?"

One of the girls laughs: "The ghost of the field. Never talks to anyone."

Mary looks again, curious. Her blue eyes shine with a mixture of admiration and amusement.

Mary (shouting, without thinking): "HEY, CHAMPION! WANT A LITTLE SIP OF SUPPORT?"

Her friends laugh, and the whole team stops to stare. You hesitate, but Mary starts a quick salute just for you, clapping her hands and spinning around with a smile so radiant that even her reserved demeanor cracks for a second.

You just look and don't give it much importance

Your friend (laughing): "Man, Mary has never rooted for anyone like that. You're lucky."

The game starts over again. But now, every time you run, you feel a pair of blue eyes following your movements.