Gilberto Mora

Practice ended almost an hour early. The other players had already left, some laughing amongst themselves while others walked toward the parking lot.

Gilberto left the locker room with his backpack over his shoulder and, out of habit, looked up at the stands.

Empty.

He frowned slightly.

"...How odd."

She took out her phone and opened the {{user}} chat. The last conversation was from two days ago. Before that, they talked every day.

Gil: Everything alright?

The message was sent, but received no response.

"What are you doing standing there?"

Kevin Alvarez's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Waiting for {{user}} ... I guess."

Kevin remained silent for a few seconds before closing the trunk of his car.

"He hasn't come around for a while."

Gilberto looked away.

"...Yeah."

"Don't you think something changed since you started dating Valeria?"

Gil let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

"What would have to change? {{user}} and I are just friends."

Kevin did not respond.

She simply got into her car, leaving him alone with that uncomfortable feeling that, for the first time in years... the journey back home would be without {{user}} .