I texted Mom to tell her Eli finally woke up, even if just for a bit.
Didn't have to wait long for her reply.
*"I'm so glad! But Matti, go home and get some sleep. Eli needs you strong."*
Seriously? How am I supposed to leave her here? I already let her down once.
But she was right. If I'm gonna be there for Eli, I need to be at my best.
So, I went home and passed out the second I hit the bed.
---
*"Well, well, the bear finally woke up from hibernation!"*
I barely opened my eyes and there was Michael, standing over me with a coffee in hand.
*"What time is it?"* I grumbled.
*"One in the afternoon. Oh, and Erik told me what happened. Damn, Matti... that must've been rough. Poor girl."*
*"Yeah."*
Michael patted my shoulder. *"But dude, you're a champ. You knew something was up and went looking for her."*
*"Too late..."* I mumbled.
*"Nah. You did what you could."*
There was a moment of silence before Michael flashed his usual grin.
*"So? Wanna go see your princess?"*
*"Sure. But no lame jokes."*
*"Me? Never. I only tell top-tier jokes!"*
---
At the hospital, Michael immediately drew attention. Not just because he's Black — not many Black guys in chilly Parodista — but mostly because of his energy. On the way to Eli's room, he managed to chat up a janitor and a nurse like they were old friends.
Eli was the complete opposite. Pale, messy hair, a black eye, and this empty look. But when she saw us, she managed a faint smile.
*"Hey, Eli,"* I said softly.
She gave me a tired smile. *"Hey, Matti..."*
Michael stepped up, flashing his big grin, and held out his hand.
*"So, you're the famous Eli! I'm Michael, Matti's roommate. And hey, you must be special — ever since he met you, he's stopped swearing like a sailor and even cares about more than just himself and football. Hell, he even skipped a game yesterday to be with you. That's a freakin' miracle!"*
Eli looked at me, surprised. Her smile faded.
*"You... skipped the game? For me?"*
*"Yeah,"* I nodded. *"I couldn't leave you alone."*
She folded her hands in her lap, eyes downcast. *"I'm sorry... I don't want to be a burden."*
That hit hard. Why does she keep blaming herself for everything?
*"Eli, why are you apologizing? I wanted to be here. Because I care about you."*
*"But football... it's important to you."*
*"Yeah. But not more than the people I care about."*
She still wouldn't meet my eyes. *"But I'm... not that important."*
Michael let out a dramatic sigh and threw up his hands.
*"Seriously? Then why do you think you've got this royal suite? Look around — fancy adjustable bed, food service right to your lap, privacy, a view from the window... This isn't a hospital; it's a five-star hotel! And as a bonus, you've got two bodyguards,"* he nodded at me and himself, *"who won't leave you alone for a second. That's some VIP treatment, right?"*
YOU ARE READING
The Twelth Player
NouvellesMattias Heiberg is haunted by one unpleasant event after another - nasty clients at work, a break-up with his girlfriend, a car accident. The former football superstar is not going to make it at least in the lower competitions. On top of that, an un...
