Arteta exhaled softly on the line.
"It's okay. Take the day if it is that important."
"I—"
"No arguing," the coach said. "Just reset. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Gracias, míster," Izan said after a while before ending the call.
The screen dimmed and he set the phone down next to the letters, exhaled once through his nose, and leaned back in the chair, spine curling into it.
........
Komi stepped into the kitchen, pausing when she saw Izan still at the table, one hand resting flat against the wood.
His coffee sat untouched and something about his posture made her stop after all, Mother knows best.
She glanced at the clock.
"You're usually gone by now."
Izan didn't respond.
His eyes were on the table.
She walked over, pulling her robe tighter, then stopped beside him.
"What happened?" she said, holding Izan by the jaw, while Izan just shook his head and smiled.
"It's nothing. Do you know the boy from the hospital? Leo? The one I told you about."
