You were used to being close with Pau. He was your first best friend, always there for you, whether it was helping with schoolwork or teaching you how to kick a ball just right. You looked up to him, not just as a brother but as someone who had always been there for you, showing up for every match, making sure you were never alone in anything. Today was no different, with Pau taking you to Camp Nou to watch FC Barcelona play Zvezda )Let’s say this match was in Barcelona). The energy in the stadium was unreal, and the win felt even better after the final score of 5-2. But then, everything took a sharp turn.

You had seen him take a hit to the face during the game, and your heart had stopped for a moment when you realized the damage. Blood was everywhere. He needed stitches, and though Pau seemed completely unfazed, while you were absolutely terrified. Your mind raced with worry, but he just shrugged it off, like it was no big deal.

Once the game was over, celebrations filled the air, but you couldn’t shake off the image of his bloodied face. When your dad picked you both up, you tried to stay calm, but inside, you were shaken. When you got home, you helped him wash up, making sure he was okay, even though he seemed like he wasn’t bothered by it. But you knew him too well. Something was off.

As you were about to head to your room for the night, Pau called out to you. “Hey, can you stay with me tonight?” he asked, his voice softer than usual. You knew he needed comfort, and for once, he wasn’t the strong older brother. Tonight, he needed you just as much as you needed him.