Relief, Pity, and Victory’s Shadow

As Elian was stretchered off the pitch, his body limp and lifeless, an oxygen mask secured over his mouth, the Spanish players watched in silence.

It wasn't that they wanted this.

They weren't heartless.

Even in war, there was respect between warriors.

But as they saw him disappear down the tunnel, a part of them couldn't help but feel relieved.

The threat was gone.

Leonardo exhaled sharply, his hands still resting on his knees as he stood near the penalty box, trying to steady his own heartbeat.

For the past twenty minutes, Elian had been an absolute nightmare.

An unstoppable force.

Now?

Now, he was gone.

Leonardo lifted his head, catching the expressions of his teammates.

There was sympathy, sure—how could there not be? Elian had played like a demon, putting his body through something none of them had ever witnessed before.

But there was also undeniable satisfaction.