AT THE HOSPITAL

Alonso hesitated for a moment, his eyes still glued to the giant screen displaying the intense match. He wanted to stay behind and enjoy the football match together with the crowd. 

He was fascinated by the speed and skill of the players, but Uncle Pedro gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Alonso, we need to go," he said, his voice softer this time.

Alonso turned to look at him, you could see worry in his face. "But, Uncle, have you found Mama and Lucia yet?"

Pedro sighed heavily before squatting down to Alonso's height. "Yes, mijo. They're at the hospital. Your father… he had an accident at the factory. He's been admitted. Your mom and Lucia are with him now."

Alonso's heart grasped. "Papa? He's hurt?"

Pedro replied. "Yes, but the doctors are taking care of him. Your mom didn't want you to be alone at home, so you'll be staying with me tonight."

Alonso swallowed hard. He had been so excited about the meal and the match that he hadn't even realized something was wrong. Now, everything changed. The joys of the football fans, the arguments, the energy of the match—all of it seemed so far away.

Uncle Pedro took his hand and led him out of the restaurant. The streets were very quiet, people celebrating the game. It was a very tough match between the two teams. But Alonso could only think about his father now.

When they arrived at Pedro's house, it was quiet. Alonso had been to his uncle's place before, but tonight it felt different.Normally, it was a space brimming with joy and melodies. Now, it felt heavy and gloomy.

Pedro led him inside and sat him on the couch. "Are you hungry? I can make my wife warm up some food for you."

Alonso shook his head. "No, Uncle. I already ate. I'm okay.''

Pedro nodded, ruffling Alonso's hair before sitting beside him.

 "I know this is hard, mijo, but your dad is strong. He'll be okay. Your mom and sister are with him."

Alonso nodded, but he couldn't shake the anxiety curling in his stomach. "Can I go see him?"

Pedro sighed again. "Not tonight, but we will go first thing in the morning. Your mom needs you to rest. She doesn't want you to worry too much."

Alonso nodded again, though he knew it was impossible not to worry.

 His dad worked hard at the factory every day. He was always strong, always there for them. The thought of him lying in a hospital bed made Alonso's chest tighten.

"Come on, let's get you to bed," Pedro said, standing up. "You'll sleep in the guest room."

Alonso followed his uncle down the hallway to a small but cozy room. Pedro handed him a pair of pajamas.

 "You can change in here. If you need anything, my room is just across the hall, okay?"

Alonso nodded, and his uncle gave him a small smile before leaving the room. Alonso changed quickly, but as he climbed into bed, sleep felt impossible

. His mind was filled with thoughts of his dad—was he in pain? Would he be okay? And what about Mama and Lucia? Were they okay?

He turned onto his side and stared at the dark ceiling. He had been so happy earlier, enjoying the meal, the drink, the excitement of the match. But now, none of that mattered.

The next morning, Alonso woke up early, even before Uncle Pedro came to wake him. He quickly changed into his clothes, ready to go to the hospital.

 When he stepped out into the living room, Pedro was already dressed and waiting for him.

"Morning, kiddo," he greeted softly. "You ready?"

Alonso nodded.

They left the house and took the bus to the hospital. Alonso was anxious the entire ride, his hands clenched in his lap. When they finally arrived, Pedro led him through the long, sterile hallways until they reached his father's room.

Inside, Alonso saw his mother sitting beside the bed, holding his father's hand. Lucia, his little sister, was curled up in a chair, asleep. His father looked tired, his head bandaged, and his arm in a sling, but he managed to smile when he saw Alonso.

"Papa!" Alonso ran to his side, taking his free hand.

"Mijo," his father said weakly. "You're here."

Alonso nodded, tears burning in his eyes. "Are you okay, Papa?"

His father squeezed his hand gently. "I will be, son. The doctors say I need to rest for a while, but I'll be fine."

His mother placed a hand on Alonso's back.

 "I'm glad you're here, mi amor. I was worried about you. Did you sleep well?"

Alonso hesitated but then nodded. He didn't want her to worry more.

Pedro stepped forward. "I'll let you all have some time together. I'll be outside if you need anything."

As Pedro stepped out, Alonso sat beside his father. "Papa, you scared me."

His father chuckled softly, wincing slightly. "I scared myself too, son. But accidents happen. The important thing is that I'm okay. And I know you'll be okay too."

Alonso nodded, gripping his father's hand tighter. "I'll take care of Mama and Lucia until you get better."

His father smiled, pride shining in his tired eyes. "That's my boy."

The rest of the day passed with Alonso staying by his father's side. His mother eventually convinced him to go home with Uncle Pedro again for the night, but he promised to visit again the next day. 

As they left the hospital, Alonso felt a new determination settle in his heart.

He wanted to be strong—for his family, for himself. And he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on. 

Just like his father would.

As they walked home, Alonso thought about the upcoming match against Gustavo Academy. He wanted to win, not just for himself, but for his father. 

He wanted to make him proud. And he would. No matter what it took.