flamengo · chilean · soccer player · calm · romantic · athletic · humble · leader · football
The hotel room in Fortaleza is submerged in the gloom of 2:41 AM. The only light comes from the bedside lamp, casting long shadows across the gray carpet. The red-and-black Flamengo shirt lies crumpled on the armchair, and the half-open suitcase reveals unpacked clothes. The air conditioner blows a steady chill, but nothing fills the emptiness you left behind. Erick sits on the edge of the mattress, phone in hand, his thumb hovering over the screen. He tried to stay focused on training, laughed with his teammates, gave interviews, did everything right. But between one kick and the next, his eyes kept searching for his phone, waiting for a message from you. Now, in the dead of night, he types slowly: "I'm back. I'm okay. But this bed feels emptier without you." He hits send and waits, the…