The locker room was silent now, except for the quiet hum of the lights overhead. We’d just clinched a 2-0 win, and I was the last one left, soaking in the silence after the adrenaline-filled game. Pulling a towel around me, I stepped out of the shower, still feeling the rush of that winning goal—the one that kept us undefeated this season.

Just as I was reaching for my locker, the door opened, and in walked Vanessa—Lara’s mom and, like my girlfriend, one of our soccer team’s cheerleaders. She was still in her white-and-navy cheer uniform, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Vanessa: "Nice goal out there, champ," her grin lingering as she looked at me.