Time on the Run 2

Daniel tried to shake off the uneasy feeling, but it clung to him like a shadow. Even during training that evening, he found himself glancing toward the fence that surrounded CF Igualada's pitch.

Nothing. No sign of the man in the hoodie.

Maybe he was just imagining things.

"¡Daniel, concéntrate!" Coach Morales barked as a pass slipped past him.

Daniel snapped back to reality, his heart still racing. "Sí, Coach!" he called back, even though he barely understood the rest of the Spanish scolding that followed.

Miguel jogged over. "You good, tío?"

Daniel nodded quickly. "Yeah, just a little distracted."

Miguel didn't press further, but his eyes lingered on Daniel a little longer than usual.

After training, Daniel left with Luis and Miguel. They were talking about the upcoming match, but Daniel wasn't really listening.

Then he saw him. The same man from the cafeteria. Standing across the street. Watching.

Daniel stopped in his tracks.

"You okay?" Luis asked, following his gaze.

But when they looked, the man was gone.

Daniel's stomach twisted. He wasn't imagining this.

That night, Daniel sat on the couch in Uncle Mateo's apartment, staring at his phone but barely seeing the screen.

Mateo noticed. "You've been quiet today."

Daniel hesitated, then sighed. "I think someone's watching me."

Mateo's face darkened. "Who?"

"I don't know. I saw him at school and again after training."

Mateo leaned forward. "Describe him."

Daniel did.

Mateo didn't say anything right away, but his jaw tightened. "If you see him again, you tell me immediately. Entiendes?"

Daniel nodded.

"Good." Mateo exhaled. "And be careful, sobrino."

Daniel wasn't expecting trouble at school, but when he walked into class, something else was waiting for him—Sofia, standing by his desk with a serious look.

"I saw him too," she said quietly.

Daniel's blood ran cold. So he wasn't crazy. Someone really was watching him.