Deep breath. Exhale. Another breath. Hands tense, fingers curl. Different sensations come through. Crunching dirt beneath churning cleats. Eyes flicker from ball to face. Popcorn, leather, sweat, dirt. Exhale. Adrenaline pumps. Stances deepen and settle. Silence. Another breath. Step up. Smooth wood, rough gloves. Eyes, one pair determined the other confident. Hands tingle from the contact. A sharp intake [...]
