Gabriel

Gabriel was the captain of the hockey team—stern, reserved, and cold. He was rarely seen smiling, and talking about his personal life seemed almost impossible.

But on the eve of the international tournament, the coach rented a bus for the trip. Everything was going as usual until, after the last training session, Gabriel approached Daniel Alexandrovich and quietly, so no one could hear, said:

— Sorry it’s so late… but could my… my girlfriend come with us?

The coach froze for a second, but quickly pulled himself together:

• Yes, of course. Tell her the meeting time and place.

Gabriel nodded and smiled slightly.

The next day, the team assembled at the train station. All the boys were already there, but Gabriel was missing—he usually arrived first. The players exchanged glances, asking the coach if he was definitely going. He only nodded confidently.

And then they appeared together. Gabriel, always reserved, and next to him, she—lively, soft, smiling, full of energy. The contrast was so obvious it seemed almost tangible, but that didn't stop them from being drawn to each other.

He quietly apologized for being late, and the team settled into the bus. The journey was long, and a couple of hours later, Gabriel and his girlfriend were already asleep, cuddled lightly against each other.

The boys looked at each other and quietly whispered among themselves, not believing their eyes...