SOUL

football games & dinner

October 20th, 2014

The bleachers were packed with cheering fans, the bright lights of the football field illuminating the night sky. The energy was electric, and Mary sat alone, perched near the top of the bleachers, her eyes fixed on Leo as he moved across the field with the grace and intensity that made him the star of the team. He had invited her to come to the game earlier that week, and though she was nervous, she had agreed. She hadn't come to many of his games, but tonight felt different. Something was shifting between them, and she wanted to be there to support him, to be a part of his life again in a way she hadn't been for a long time.

She clutched her hands together, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness every time Leo was tackled. She knew it was part of the game, but the sight of him hitting the ground made her stomach twist in worry. She couldn't stand the idea of him getting hurt, not after everything they'd been through.

As the game progressed, she suddenly felt a presence beside her. She didn't need to look to know who it was.

"Adamma," Mary whispered softly, her eyes never leaving the field.

The spirit of Leo's mother stood beside her, bathed in a soft glow, her face filled with warmth and pride as she watched her son. "You're doing a good job being here for him," Adamma said gently.

Mary smiled sadly, her voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd. "He's doing amazing," she said. "I'm just worried about him getting hurt. I know it's football, but..."

Adamma's expression softened, her eyes filled with love. "He's strong. He'll be okay. You don't need to worry about him so much. Right now, what he needs most is to feel like someone is here, watching him, supporting him. He needs you."

Mary nodded, though she couldn't shake the growing knot of anxiety in her stomach. She could feel something in the air, something heavy and ominous, like the calm before a storm. Her heart clenched, and she looked at Adamma, her voice trembling. "Why do I feel like something's about to happen? Like... like the pond that day."

Adamma's gaze remained fixed on Leo as she spoke softly. "Some things are meant to happen, Mary. You can't always stop them. But what's important is that you're here for him when the time comes."

Mary swallowed hard, her eyes flicking back to Leo as he caught the ball and sprinted toward the end zone. She could feel her heartbeat quicken, the anxiety twisting tighter. "But what's going to happen?" she asked quietly.

Adamma placed a comforting hand on Mary's shoulder, her touch soft but steady. "It will be revealed in time. Don't be afraid. He's ready now, and so are you."

Mary's brow furrowed as she processed her words. "Ready for what?"

"To reconnect," Adamma said, her voice soft and sure. "He's finally ready to let you back in. He's been staring up at you all night"

Mary's heart clenched at that. She looked down at the field and realized that Leo kept glancing up in her direction, his eyes scanning the bleachers. She shook her head, a small, disbelieving smile tugging at her lips. "He's not looking at me."

Adamma chuckled, her voice warm. "Oh, Mary. You know he is."

Mary bit her lip, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. "Why now?" she asked softly. "Why are we reconnecting now?"

Adamma's eyes softened, and she smiled. "Because he's finally ready. He's ready to let you in, ready to stop hiding from what he feels."

Before Mary could say anything else, the sound of the crowd erupted in cheers. Leo had caught the winning touchdown throw, sprinting across the end zone with the ball cradled in his arms, and the stands went wild. Mary leaped to her feet, clapping and cheering, a surge of pride and relief flooding through her. Leo had done it.