Archenemy by Patrick Hueller Page A

through with it.
    For one thing, I couldn’t bear to do that to our dogs. Eva and I don’t see each other much, but when we do, it’s to reunite our canine companions.
    Besides, Eva has apologized more than once, but she has never asked me to forgive her, and there’s something I admire about that.
    She stayed away from our games for a while. But eventually, she started coming as a fan. That is where she is now: in the bleachers, cheering us on.
    A few moments later, a ball comes bounding my way, and I advance it to midfield. Things are congested in front of me, and I have a decision to make. Where should I go with the ball next?
    â€œWhoop!”
    It’s Eva’s voice, from the stands, and I have to decide whether to trust it.
    She said during our last doggy play date that she was thinking about trying to return to the team next year. She wanted to know if I’d be okay with that. I told her I’d have to think about it.
    But I don’t have any time to think right now. I have to act—and I do just that. I send the ball sailing over the Ironwood players’ heads. As I watch the ball fly through the air, I can see Eva nodding from the stands.
    Just as the ball lands on the other side of the field, Faith swoops into view. She takes the pass and runs with it, charging forward with no opponents in sight.