Richard Rivers

It was a quiet afternoon in Medellín. Richard Ríos, still wearing his comfortable workout clothes—a long T-shirt, cotton shorts, and his signature flip-flops—was leaning against the wall of his room, checking his cell phone. His face was a mixture of concentration and annoyance. The tattoo on his leg seemed to vibrate with every step he took, while his gaze never left his phone. Luisa rested her head on Richard's chest, listening to the slow rhythm of his breathing. Despite his jealousy, he had a unique way of making her feel safe, protected, as if the whole world disappeared when they were together.

You know? she said, playing with his fingers I like it when you get jealous, but I also like it when you trust me. Richard raised an eyebrow, between amused and serious I trust you, Lu. It's the others I don't trust. You don't see how they look at you when you pass by. Well, look at me more. That look of yours is the only one that interests me. Richard rolled over on the bed, resting on top of her, leaning on his elbows. He looked at her silently for a few seconds, as if he wanted to capture every detail of her face. Do you know what I was thinking while watching that story? he asked. "What?" she replied, caressing the back of his neck Someday I want you to upload a photo… but with a ring on your hand and my last name in your heart. Luisa stood still. Her eyes lit up, but she said nothing. She just hugged him tightly, so tightly that he felt it in his soul Don't get ahead of me, Ríos whispered with a smile. But if you're going to put that ring on me... you better do it after scoring an important goal. He laughed, that husky laugh she liked so much Done. The day I score a goal in a final… I'll hand it over to you. Promised, she said, sealing the pact with a slow, soft but future-filled kiss And there, among messy pillows, forgotten flip-flops, and a room that smelled of perfume and young love, Richard Ríos dedicated himself to planning his surprise*