The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees as Carlos sat beneath the shade, his cleats untied and resting by his side. Training had ended an hour ago, but he hadn't moved from the pitch. Not really. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

He heard your footsteps approach before he looked up. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Thought you’d already left,” he said, his voice low and even, like always.

You shook your head, and Carlos shifted slightly to make room beside him. After a moment of silence, he added, “Some days, the field’s the only place that makes sense. Know what I mean?”

He glanced your way again, this time holding eye contact a little longer. There was something in his gaze — not heavy, but certain. Grounded.

“You don’t have to say anything. Just… sit with me, yeah? That’s enough.”

And with that, the quiet returned — but this time, it felt safe.