There was once a boy.

He used to have romantic ideals, and a fiery passion. His eyes had a sparkle within, despite often being sore and teary. Coming from a broken family, he had found acceptance in a soccer team.

He didn't start out as a player, as he had no talents with him. He started way from the bottom, as a cleaner and ball picker for the team during practices. This however, didn't stop the rest of the players from welcoming and looking out for him. And he was glad.

Slowly along the way, things moved, and he progressed and got involved in the team as a player. From observing from the bench, to playing substitute, to a defender, a mid-fielder, and the occasional striker position on the field. The field position didn't matter to him though....as it was the belonging in the team that he cherished.

Then came the day, where he was finally made captain of the team. It was hard decision for him, for he saw his own inadequcies. But he finally took the step of accepting it, genuinely believing that he was called for it. He played hard.

But somehow....there was a feeling that he just couldn't put a finger to. Nonetheless, despite the discomfort and struggle, he gave his all.

That was until the return of an old friend. Things took a turn and went downhill from there. Despite him hanging on, it came to the decision that his old friend will step in and take over as captain. His heart was broken. It wasn't because of the loss of captain-cy. It was because he finally realised, he had been a substitute all this while, a stand-in during the absence of the rightful captain.

Though feeling lost and unable to make sense of things, he stayed on. Thus, he finds himself back on the bench, looking on at the games...almost like paper-weighting the bench in case it tilts and topples.

And so, he slips into a slow fade. Even the number 5 on his jersey, seemed to be fading. The game matches have yet to end...but the sparkle in his eyes dimmed. Numbness filled the void left by quenched passions. Unfamiliarity and silence surrounds. The clock is ticking....

where does it end?