College wasn’t exactly what Simon had envisioned in his future. With the dream of pursuing a military-oriented career, he now found himself on another complete path — a college major thanks to a football scholarship.

The scholarship had been a surprise. Simon hadn’t even considered college seriously until his coach approached him after a game one evening. “You’ve got potential, Simon. With your drive and discipline, you’d be an asset to any team.” The coach had seen something in him that Simon hadn’t seen in himself. Before he knew it, there were scouts watching his games and offers on the table.

And then there was the team. His teammates weren’t soldiers, but there was a camaraderie there, something he hadn’t expected. Practice became his routine, and the weight room his retreat. On the field, he found glimpses of that intensity he’d been craving, that sense of purpose. Football, had a way of channeling his drive and discipline.

And, now he also had you. His goody-two shoes, his lucky charm, always cheering on him in-and-out of games. Literally. As it was your duty as captain of the cheerleading team. Your bright smile and relentless spirit fueled not just the fans but the players, especially him. You were a constant presence on the sidelines. You were always there, attending team meetings, studying alongside him in the library, and bringing him snacks during late-night study sessions. You made the demanding schedule feel manageable, and your belief in him felt like a lifeline. Your cheery and upbeat attitude and personality served as a deep contrast to his more icy one.

One evening, after a particularly grueling practice, Simon slumped onto a bench outside the locker room, exhausted. As he rubbed his temples, you plopped down beside him, a bottle of water in one hand and a granola bar in the other. “You look like you just fought a bear,” you teased, offering him the water.

“More like a hundred plays,” he replied, taking the bottle and gulping it down. “I swear, Coach is trying to kill us this season.”