Better Love: A Military Sweet Slow Burn Romance by R.A. Mariana

Author:R.A. Mariana [Mariana, R.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2024-02-18T00:00:00+00:00

13

Accidental Connections

On a bright, crisp afternoon, Liam found himself in the park, a sanctuary that had become his refuge. He sat on a bench, his eyes tracing the flight of leaves in the gentle breeze, lost in thought. The park, with its vibrant greenery and the happy sounds of children playing, offered him a slice of normalcy. A world away from the shadows that often clouded his mind.

His reverie was interrupted by the sight of a familiar figure—the eight-year-old boy he had met days before, the one who had invited him to play soccer. The boy was a whirlwind of energy. His laughter echoed through the park as he chased a ball with the uninhibited joy that only a child can have.

When he recognized Liam, the boy’s face lit up with a bright smile, and he ran over. “Hey, mister! Do you want to play again?” He asked, panting slightly, his eyes bright with excitement.

Liam couldn’t help but smile at the boy’s enthusiasm. “Sure, why not?” he replied, his voice carrying a lightness he hadn’t felt in a long time.

The game was a lively affair, filled with the carefree shouts and laughter of children. Liam found himself caught up in the moment, the weight of his burdens momentarily lifted. Playing soccer with Ethan and the other kids gave him a sense of freedom. It was like a brief escape from the ghosts that haunted him.

The soccer game unfolded on the lush green field, a chaotic symphony of youthful energy and excitement. Liam did not play. He stood on the sidelines, watching Ethan and the other kids organize themselves with the seriousness that only kids can muster for a game.

“Come on, mister, you can be on my team!” Ethan shouted, waving Liam over with an almost contagious grin.

Liam shrugged. “Sure.”

As Liam jogged onto the field, a small boy from the opposing team looked him up and down with a mock-serious expression. “Are you sure you can keep up with us, old man?” He teased, eliciting a round of giggles from his teammates.

Liam laughed, getting into the spirit of the game. “I’ll have you know, I was quite the soccer star in my day. You kids better watch out,” he replied with a wink, earning a chorus of playful boos and laughter.

The game began with a burst of energy. The kids raced around the field, their movements a blur of speed and enthusiasm. Liam found himself caught up in the whirlwind, chasing after the ball with a lightness in his heart he hadn’t felt in a long time.

At one point, Ethan skillfully dribbled the ball toward the makeshift goal. Liam, playing defense, pretended to stumble, allowing Ethan to score. Ethan’s face lit up with triumph as he did a little victory dance.

“You let me win, didn’t you, mister?” Ethan accused him playfully, his eyes sparkling with glee.

“Me? Never!” Liam feigned shock and put his hand over his heart. “You’re just too good for me, kids.”

As the game continued, Liam found himself laughing and running.

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