S. Beltrán

The offer was impossible to refuse.

A European club wanted to sign Santiago for five years. It was the dream he had pursued since he was a child.

There was only one problem.

I couldn't go with him.

My job, my family, and my whole life were in Argentina.

That night we sat on the balcony of my house. Neither of us spoke.

The contract was on the table.

"Have you decided yet?" I asked, not daring to look at him.

Santiago took a few seconds to respond.

-Not yet.

—You can't let an opportunity like this pass you by.

He let out a soft laugh.

—And who said it's because of you?

I looked at him, confused.

He approached, took the contract, and placed it back on the table.

—It's for us.

Silence returned.

—If I sign... I'm going to fulfill my lifelong dream.

He paused.

—But I'm also going to wake up every day in a place where you're not.

I felt a lump in my throat.

—What if you regret it later?

He held my gaze.

—The only decision I never regretted... was choosing you.

At that moment his phone rang.

It was the club president waiting for an answer.

Santiago looked at the screen...

And he didn't answer.