The team

The ball hits the ground.

Silence…

As the crowd screams for the other team, he drops onto his knees finding that inextricable weakness that disappointment brings. A trickle of sweat cascades down his head, merging with the tears, silenced by pride, pouring out – some of that liquid finding itself on the ground – most facing a sudden death from his hands. His teammates are scattered everywhere, the winners crowding like ants and eating all the space.   

It’s true he practiced so hard, and when it mattered the most- he let everyone down. A vicious cycle, so it seems. The odds keep winning like a dictatorship in his state of affairs. No one acknowledges him- his work, his effort. And it’s such a wonder how they can recall every detail of those around him.

He feels stranded, lost and his mind in a senseless bizarre daze.

He cannot even feel the chilling feeling as the sweat flooded vest he wears comes in contact with the indifferent breeze. He rises slowly and there she is.

“It’s okay.” She says, and he puts out a weak smile so shrouded in misery that it looks like a smirk.

She knew he was going to drink, trying to drown the misery. She knew that tonight was not going to be comfort making – without the love. He grabs onto her and she cannot understand why she gets so stirred at the same.

She looks at him trying to see right through those eyes of stone. “It’s just a game.” She says.

What else could she say? She knew he did not handle negative emotions well and it weighed on her. She holds his hand feebly. And they begin the long 5 minute journey to their flat.

 It’s dark, holding hands adding more physical security than emotional.

She thinks he’s behaving like a girl- entertaining too much emotion. He believes their hearts connect so he can reveal his most vulnerable moments. He’s taking it harder than most as he wants to be the best for her. She now thinks he’s always complaining. Both seem to be forgetting the good times and checking up on the bad. A cat passes them- it alarms her. And she clings on to him more.

A selfish part of him wants to tell her that he needs her most now. For a moment she feels secure grabbing on his arm- nails slightly digging in.

He fears all the time he is failing. Someone is profiting from them, he will not be able to handle it if he was to lose her to another.  He shrugs, and for a moment she doubts he wants her – she looks at him accusingly. Then almost inaudibly she hears him whisper, “I love you”. Then she becomes certain that that heartbeat she hears is beating for her.

 Things may seem rough for them, but they will be okay. They do not need another one- if they have one another. They have challenges – but like any team, there’s always another game to play. At the end of the day, they make a viable tag team. They have their dirt – but that is where the flowers grow in.