Shadows and Secrets

Daniel walked alongside Sofia as they left the CF Igualada training ground, the cool evening breeze brushing against his skin. The floodlights cast long shadows on the pavement, but Daniel couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was lurking beyond them.

"You've been weird all day," Sofia said, nudging his arm. "What's going on?"

Daniel hesitated. He couldn't tell her. Not yet.

"Just thinking about practice," he lied. "I need to get better."

Sofia smirked. "Yeah, you do. But you're not bad, either."

Daniel glanced at her, surprised by the compliment.

She crossed her arms. "I mean, you're nowhere near my level, but you might survive a season if you work hard."

Daniel chuckled. "I'll take that as motivation."

They walked in silence for a moment, the city lights of Igualada glowing in the distance. Then, Sofia glanced at him. "You never talk about why you moved here."

Daniel stiffened. "Not much to say."

"Really?" she challenged. "Most people don't just show up in a new country, barely knowing anyone, and act like it's normal."

Daniel could feel her eyes on him, searching for the truth. She was sharp—too sharp.

Before he could respond, he caught movement from the corner of his eye.

A man in a black jacket stood near a parked car, pretending to check his phone. But Daniel knew better.

His pulse quickened. He had seen the same man near the school that morning. They were watching him.

Daniel grabbed Sofia's wrist. "Let's take a different way."

Sofia blinked. "What? Why?"

"No reason," he said quickly, leading her down a side street. His heart pounded as he glanced back. The man was following.

They were getting closer. but Sofia called for a taxi and Daniel left with her