TRISTAN
The day felt different—brighter, somehow. I could almost feel it in my bones. It was one of those rare moments when everything seemed to align perfectly, and I couldn’t help but bask in it. I had a plan, and it was working. Stella wasn’t out of my reach. Not anymore.
I was on cloud nine, walking through the locker room after practice with a grin that stretched a little too wide for my usual self. My best friend, Gary, shot me a sideways glance, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. He’d known me for years, and he knew that when I was in a good mood, it was like I was walking on air.
He chuckled as he tossed his gear into his locker. “You’re definitely happy today. What’s got you grinning like a damn Cheshire cat?”
I couldn’t help but laugh along with him. “You could
