Time on the Run 2

Daniel lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

He couldn't get the image out of his head.

The man in the hoodie. That smirk. That impossible disappearance.

It didn't make sense.

His body was exhausted from training, but his mind wouldn't rest. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the shadows shifting, the man watching him.

What did he want?

And why was he playing games instead of attacking?

The next morning, Daniel sat at the kitchen table, barely touching his breakfast. His uncle, Mateo, frowned as he sipped his coffee.

"You look like you haven't slept," Mateo said.

Daniel hesitated.

"Someone's been following me," he finally admitted.

Mateo's face darkened. "Since when?"

Daniel shrugged. "A while now. He was outside the academy yesterday. Then last night… he was there again. And then he just… disappeared."

Mateo's expression hardened. "Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I thought maybe it was nothing. But now, Sofia saw him too."

Mateo set his cup down. "You're not walking alone anymore. I'll drop you off and pick you up."

Daniel shook his head. "That won't stop him. He's not normal, Mateo."

Mateo exhaled slowly. "We'll figure this out, kid. Just be careful."

That afternoon, CF Igualada had an away match against CE Manresa U-19.

It was an important game. A win would push them higher in the league standings.

But Daniel's mind was clouded.

As he stepped onto the pitch, the roar of the crowd felt distant. The floodlights cast long shadows, and every time he turned his head, he expected to see the man watching.

Coach Morales clapped his hands. "Focus, boys! Play our game!"

The whistle blew. The match began.

Match Commentary

"And we're off! CF Igualada looking to dominate possession early on."

The midfield battle was intense. Miguel was distributing passes like a pro, while Luis was making dangerous runs.

"Daniel Carter receives the ball on the right… he cuts inside… past one defender… past two! He shoots—"

GOOOAL!

"A fantastic solo effort from Daniel Carter! What a finish!"

For the first time all day, he felt free.

For the next ninety minutes, the game was all that mattered.

CF Igualada won 2-1, with Daniel and Luis scoring the goals.

As he walked off the pitch, sweaty and exhausted, he allowed himself a moment to enjoy the victory.

But as they boarded the team bus, Daniel's smile faded.

Because in the far distance, near the exit of the stadium, stood a familiar hooded figure.

Watching.

Waiting.