Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Santos

"Ooof!"

My body hits the ground hard as I try to stop the ball. I miss and immediately pop back up to my feet, ready to attempt another block.

I'm being peppered on all sides by balls during practice to keep my reflexes strong. It's effective, but damn, if it doesn't hurt after a while.

"Ooofffff!"

I miss the block as Daniel bends the ball, making it sail right past me.

"Shit!" I yell and pound the grass with my hand before popping right back up again.

"Get your head in the game, Santos!" Coach yells from across the field.

I wanna tell him I can't. That something doesn't feel right about this anymore, but I don't even know why that is anyway, so I shake my body out and get in position again.

This time Rowen goes for the kick and the ball flies toward me. I know it's going to curve as soon as it gets close to me, and it does exactly that. I launch my body across the field and the ball glides right past my fingers.

"Fuck!" I yell as I hit the ground.