Just Like Him

The man on the wall smiled down at little Rafael. Rafael smiled back.

I will be just like him.

He backed up, placed the ball on the ground and gave it a good kick. The ball skidded across the dirt and tapped the concrete wall.

Rafael ran up and kicked it again. This time it bounced over his head and onto the dusty road.

Wheels screeched and cars honked as the boy darted after it. But all he saw was the ball - and the smile of a legendary man.

Just. Like. Him.

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Thank you for lingering.