The Gifted Striker

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The voices of fans shouting in varying wavelengths, calling out his name, Edward! Edward! Edward! Was more than he could imagined, as he netted the record-breaking goal. He became the player to have scored the highest number of goals for the club in one season.

During the half-time break, coach Henrik encouraged the players to fight for a win. As the players jogged back into the field from the dressing room, coach Henrik called Edward to a corner, and said, "Eddy, if you're able to score another goal and we win this game, an unbelievably big offer will be on the table for you." Edward felt more than motivated to destroy his opponents on the football field.

Edward was the last player to get back into the field for second half. Just as the referee was about to blow the whistle, Edward winked at his best friend Nathaniel, who played for the opposition. He made a gesture with his hands, which implied that, "I'm going to net another goal." Nathaniel shook his head, and faintly said, "No way."

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Edward got the ball. He moved his feet like a magician. He dribbled 2 players, and was about to strike for goal, when Nathaniel tackled him from the side. A loud sound was heard. It was the cracking of Edward's bone. Edward screamed and fell to the ground. Players rushed to see how bad it was, but all they could say was, "Damn!" With their hands on their heads.

There was no respite from the pain Edward was feeling. He squeezed his eyes, and tears rolled down. He was rushed out of the field for treatment. A penalty was given. His team mate scored, and got the winning goal. Nathaniel was devastated and asked his coach to be substituted. After the game, Nathaniel went to the care center to see how his best friend was doing.

He met Edward's wife at the entrance, resplendent in a yellow dress. She shouted at Nathaniel for the bad tackle against her husband. Nathaniel didn't reply. He made his way scrupulously to see his friend. On seeing Nathaniel, Edward said, "What the hell brother? You broke my leg." Nathaniel could not say a word, as he stared at his best friends leg hung like a sculpture.

He scuffed his car key on the frame of the bed, and squeezed out the words, "I'm sorry brother." Nathaniel continued, "I know that scurrilous rumors are going around that I did this intentionally, but please it's not true." Nathaniel could not hold himself, as tears came down his face.

Edward always knew how thin-skinned Nathaniel was. And that the situation was crushing his soul. Edward said, "I know you did not injure me intentionally. Even when we were third-rate players, you helped me improve and get to this level of play. It's just that I was having a fantastic season. And it really hurts."

Nathaniel replied, "I know. I'm really sorry man." Edward still noticed that Nathaniel's eyes were dropping tears. He could not see Nathaniel clearly in the twilight. Edward said, "Come closer Nathan." Nathaniel came closer, and Edward held his hand.