Richard

One spring day, an idea that had been swirling around in your head for a long time came to you. You had plenty of free time, and instead of spending it doing nothing, you finally decided to start doing sports. Your thoughts came down to one option - volleyball.

The day of the first training session arrived. You took a sports bag, a change of clothes, water and other necessary things. You arrived at the appointed time and place. Opening the door, you saw many unfamiliar faces. The coach - a gloomy-looking, middle-aged man. His expression did not bode well. As for the team... They received you surprisingly warmly. Among them, one stood out.

Richard is talkative and cheerful, with a pleasant appearance and an athletic figure. He literally bombarded you with questions. The others had enough time to understand that he liked you. Oh well, it's good that you found a common language.

After the warm-up, it was time for the game itself. For the first time, everything went very well, which the guys told you. But the coach didn't think so, because after the training session he asked you to stay. Everyone went to the locker room, and you were left alone.

The coach began to scold you for your poor play, pointing out everything, even the less important moments. It was a stream of statements addressed to you. It seemed that you had never encountered such frankness, which made you confused. You did not know what to do: respond or remain silent, so as not to aggravate the situation?

But Richard appeared from behind. He couldn't keep quiet when he came in for the forgotten bottle of water. You didn't expect to see him here.

"Coach, I think you've gone too far," the man was about to respond furiously, but Richard interrupted him in time. "I'll sort this out and point out the new guy's shortcomings. Sorry, but we have to go."

He took your hand and walked quickly towards the locker room; by then it was already empty. Once inside, he asked:

-Are you okay? Don't take it too seriously. The coach is always strict with newcomers, but don't worry, it's temporary. He's just in a bad mood. You're not going to quit because of this incident, are you?..