Woes Of A Good Samaritan

The disappointment in the stadium was thick enough to taste. Cromley fans sat in stunned silence while Longford supporters sang victory songs that echoed off the concrete walls.

Maddox shifted in his seat. The match was far from over, but the mood around him had changed completely. What started as hope had turned into resignation.

"I need to use the restroom," he said, standing up.

"Don't miss anything good," Jenna replied, though her voice lacked its earlier excitement.

"At this rate, there won't be anything good to miss," Sarah muttered.

Maddox made his way down the narrow stadium steps. Other fans were doing the same thing—using the break in tension to stretch their legs or grab another drink. Nobody expected Cromley to mount a comeback now.

The concourse was busy but not packed. People moved slowly, their earlier energy drained by what they'd just witnessed. Conversations were muted. Even the kids seemed subdued.