LEFT OUT

Alonso sat down at the table quietly because he thought he had proven himself today. At the end of the training session, he was also mentioned as one of the best players on the team.

 He continued to stare at the list of the starting eleven for the match. Coach Herrera continued speaking to them and told them that some needed to improve because the game would be very tough.

 In his mind, he thought Alonso was not suitable for the game.

The team responded to whatever Coach Herrera had to tell them, but they all nodded, questions running through their heads.

 Coach Herrera ended the speech and left. Alonso stood in the room while some of the team dispersed. Javi and Miguel approached Alonso because they knew he wasn't in a good mood.

 "Hey, don't worry, man. You'll get your chance," Javi said to Alonso. ''I think what Javi said is true. Don't give up, bro. You can improve.'' Alonso nodded to them, and they started to head back home. 

Tomorrow was the day of the match between Bilbao Central School and Gustavo Academy. 

Alonso felt left out on their way home. Javi and Miguel departed for their various homes while Alonso walked down the streets to his apartment.

The sun glowed on the streets, making everything look orange. There was no sign of excitement for Alonso. He remembered that it was his birthday and that he should have been more excited, but unfortunately, the tables had turned. 

Back in the apartment, Mama had bought a nice cake for Alonso together with some sweets. She had decorated the place nicely because she wanted to surprise her son.

 Lucia had returned from school, so she helped with the little knowledge she had about decoration. Papa was lying in bed, relaxing and commenting on what was going on. 

He wished he could help, but he needed to get better soon and get back to work. Uncle Pedro arrived to celebrate the birthday together with the family. 

He brought some delicious meals and chicken from his restaurant. The room was filled with the aroma of fried chicken. 

When Alonso arrived at the apartment, he stood there for some time with sorrow in his eyes, tears running down his cheeks, but he quickly wiped them with his hands. He climbed the wooden staircase to their room.

 This time he knocked on the door. The family never thought it could be Alonso because he doesn't usually knock when coming in. Lucia rushed to the gate to see the guest.

 When she opened the gate, it was Alonso. ''Oh, birthday boy, welcome home,'' she said.

He walked into the room and was surprised by what he saw. ''What's all this, Mama? You never told me about it.''

Mama replied, ''Yes, it's a surprise. There was no need to inform you. By the way, go and freshen up quickly. We need you here in ten minutes.'' Alonso looked at his dad and Uncle Pedro and then left to freshen up.

As always, he placed his bag on the table and went to the bathroom. Alonso looked at himself in the mirror. He couldn't believe he was not part of the starting eleven for tomorrow's match. He imagined the formation for tomorrow. 

**TEAM BILBAO 

FORMATION: 4-4-2**

**GOALKEEPER:** Luis

**DEFENDERS:** Diego and Rasmerez

**CENTER BACKS:** Antonio (Left Back), Raul (Right Back)

**MIDFIELDERS:** Miguel and Mateo

**WINGERS:** Xavi (Left Winger) and Fernando (Right Winger)

**STRIKERS:** Javi and Sergio 

He buried all his thoughts within him and took his bath. 

He went to his room after the bath. He saw a nice shirt, a pair of trousers, and a pair of new shoes. Mama followed him there. ''This is what you have to put on for the celebration. I mean your birthday.''

 Alonso was a bit excited, but what worried him the most was not being on the list. He thanked his mom. When Mama returned to the living room, she told her husband that she didn't think Alonso was excited.

 She suggested that there might be something wrong with him. Alonso dressed and joined them in the living room.

.

When Alonso arrived, the living room was alive with energy. Alonso tried to mask his emotions, but his mother saw through him immediately. "Mijo, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Alonso muttered, slumping into a chair.

Papa, who had been quiet, looked up from the couch. His deep brown eyes studied his son carefully. "Come here, Alonso."

Alonso hesitated before walking over. His father motioned for him to sit beside him. "Tell me."

Alonso hesitated before blurting out, "I'm not in the starting lineup for the match tomorrow."

Uncle Pedro let out a small grunt but said nothing. Mama's hands slowed as she stirred the pot. Lucia looked up from her tablet, eyes wide.

Papa, however, didn't react the way Alonso expected. He simply nodded. "And how does that make you feel?"

Alonso frowned. "How do you think it makes me feel? I worked so hard, Papa. I don't understand why Coach did this."

Papa leaned back, exhaling. "Life isn't always fair, son. Sometimes, no matter how hard you work, things don't go your way. But that doesn't mean you stop pushing forward."

Alonso looked away. "But what if I never get my chance?"

Uncle Pedro finally spoke. "Then you fight for it. No one hands you success, boy. You take it. You show them why they can't afford to overlook you."

Alonso met his uncle's gaze, seeing something fierce in his eyes. He nodded, taking in their words. Maybe they were right. Maybe he just had to be ready for when his moment arrived. 

He said to himself, "I know they'll need me one day." 

They began to celebrate the birthday. They sang a birthday song for him and asked for more blessings to dwell upon his life.

 After the song, Mama held the knife together with Alonso to slice the cake. Alonso was the first to eat the cake, followed by Papa, Mama, Lucia, and Uncle Pedro.

 They enjoyed the meal that Uncle Pedro had brought and shared a memorable moment as a family. Alonso went back to his room because he felt so tired.

 When he picked up his phone, he received a message from Valeria.