The spark // Art Donaldson

020. Match

Cadell, 2019

"You coming to my game today? Just because the women's tournament had finished doesn't mean the mens has."

"Of course I'm going."

"Good." he pasued, "you're not just going for Patrick right? You're going for me too, right?"

Cadell smiled into her phone as she flopped onto her new hotel bed.

"I'm going for the both of you."

"Mainly me?" His voice was so hopeful, it was almost funny.

"Mainly you."

"Alright, you better not be lying. I'm going to go warm-up."

"Bye." She smiled as she hung up.

...

Cadell felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she made her way to the stadium. She hadn't seen Art play in a competitive match for years in person, only seeing glimpses of his playing here and there on television, though she never carefully watched it because of guilt.

As she took her seat in the stands, she noticed the tension in the air as Patrick and Art both looked at her, then Tashi at the same time.

Cadell made her way towars Tashi who was sitting in the front row, a pair of chunky black sunglasses nestled on her nose, her presence a stark reminder of the complications in Art's life.

"This should be fun," Tashi murmured as Cadell sat down on an empty seat beside her. Cadell gave Tashi a weak smile. She could never look at her the same after seeing Tashi with Patrick that night.

The match began with a fierce intensity. Patrick was aggressive from the start, his powerful serves and quick footwork putting Art on the defensive.

But Art responded with a calm precision, his shots calculated and his movements smooth.

Every rally was a battle of wills, the crowd on the edge of their seats with each point. Cadell's eyes never left Art.

She could see the determination in his face, the focus in his eyes. He was playing not just to win, but to prove something to himself and to everyone watching.

Despite the personal history and emotional baggage, he was in his element.

He had never beaten Patrick back then. But things had changed. He had changed, and so had she.

Cadell looked sideways at Tashi, who had her eyes narrowed on Patrick.

Tashi had changed as well.

But there was a nagging part of Cadell that seemed to protest. Despite how different and distant her friends had all grown, it all seemed different then, somehow.

In that moment, it felt like they were all 19 again. With Art and Patrick on court, fighting over Tashi; but this time, Art was fighting for himself. Cadell and Tashi were situated just like they had been the day of the US men's JS open, with Cadell on the right and Tashi on the left; but this time, they both knew what they were there for.

The first set was close, but Art managed to pull ahead, winning 7-5.

The crowd erupted in applause, and Cadell couldn't help but cheer loudly, feeling a surge of pride.

During the break, Art glanced up at her, his eyes locking onto hers. She gave him an encouraging nod, mouthing the words, "You've got this."

He smiled in response, before his eyes darted to Tashi's. She tapped her forehead, and he nodded reluctantly, leaning back on his chair and closing his eyes.