Once upon a time, I used to visit a web site, https://100wordstory.org/photo-prompt/. Every month, they used to publish a photo and invite people to write hundred-word stories inspired by the photo.

For some reason, I visited it again this morning. This month’s photo looked good so I decided to write it.

“Germany’s opponents, their first time in the World Cup final…” Growing to a crescendo. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… Honduras”. A deafening roar. José’s heart barely restrained by his jersey, he leads the team out.

Tight. Cagey. Deadlock. Eighty minutes, José’s out on the wing, skips past a tiring defender, dummies another, gains a yard. Through, their goalie stands tall, the sticks hardly visible beyond the giant’s enormous frame. “Please God.” A perfect strike, low, hard, true. Silence. Eternal. Broken by the eruption of the net. Yes! It’s there!

“José? In, now, please.” Mom. “Supper.” He’d play another final, tomorrow.