𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫│𝐏𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐯𝐢

𝟖. 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮

One month before her graduation 

Months had slipped by without any leads on Isabel's missing mother. As her graduation date drew closer, Isabel and Pablo's anxiety mounted. Thoughts of Isabel kept creeping up on him, threatening to distract him from the game. 

Would she be able to cross over in time? Or would she be left stranded on Earth? 

Pablo tried to push those thoughts to the back of his mind as he headed onto the football field. He was the star striker for his team, and they were up against their biggest rivals today. It was a high-pressure game, and he needed to be at his best. 

The crowd was roaring as the game kicked off. The energy was electric, and Pablo felt his heart racing with excitement. For a few hours, he could forget about everything else and just focus on the game.

He played with all his heart, dodging tackles and scoring goals. The adrenaline was pumping through his veins, and he felt alive for the first time in a long time. But as the final whistle blew and the game came to an end, the reality of his situation came crashing back down on him.

He headed back to the locker room, exhausted and sweaty, and found Isabel waiting for him. "Great game, Pablo." Isabel said. 

Pablo was surprised to see her there, but he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face at the sight of her. "Isa, what are you doing here?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.

"I wanted to see you play," she said, shrugging. "You were amazing out there."

Pablo felt a rush of pride at her words. Isabel had always been his biggest supporter, cheering him on from the sidelines at every game she could make it to.

"Thanks," he said, his smile widening. "It means a lot to me that you came."

Isabel looked at him, her eyes filled with concern. "But Pablo, you can't keep living in the past. You need to live your life and find happiness again." 

"There is no happy ever after you, Isa." Pablo said honestly. 

"Don't be like that. You have to someday get over me." she said. 

"Pablo, dude. You are worrying me. What's happening?" Pedri asked as he entered the locker room, and as if on cue, Isabel vanished.

"Nothing." Pablo replied. 

"Come on, dude. I can clearly tell something is wrong. You're talking to yourself about Isabel." Pedri said. 

"I can't imagine a life without her. She was my everything, my reason to wake up every morning. How can I move on when the best part of me is gone?"

Pedri put a comforting hand on Pablo's shoulder. "I know it's tough, man. But you can't keep living in the past. Isabel wouldn't want that for you."

"I know," Pablo replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "But it's hard to let go."

Pedri nodded. "I get it. But you have to try, for yourself. Find something that makes you happy again, something that brings you purpose. You're still young, you have your whole life ahead of you."

Pablo sighed. "I know you're right. It's just hard to imagine a future without her in it."

Pedri stood up and grabbed his bag. "Well, you don't have to do it alone, my friend. I'll be here for you every step of the way."

Pablo managed a small smile. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it."

As they walked out of the locker room, Pablo couldn't help but feel a little better. Maybe Pedri was right. Perhaps it was time for him to start moving on. But it was easier said than done. Isabel was always on his mind, in his heart, and he couldn't imagine a life without her. He had loved her since the day they met, and that love had only grown stronger over the years. He had always thought that they would grow old together, that they would have a family, and that they would live happily ever after. But life had other plans, and now he was left alone, with nothing but memories and her ghost to keep him company.